Delaware Start

A Delaware start is a race restart procedure where the leader restarts alone in the first row while all other cars line up in two columns behind them, giving the leader a strategic advantage after a caution period.

In motorsports, races don't always run smoothly from start to finish. When there's a crash, debris on the track, or weather issues, officials throw a caution flag. This makes all cars slow down and bunch up together. Once the track is clear, the race needs to restart, and that's where different restart formats come into play.

During a Delaware start, the race leader gets special treatment. Instead of lining up next to the second-place car like in a typical double-file restart, the leader sits alone in the front row. This means there's an entire car length of empty space beside them. The second-place driver then chooses whether to line up on the inside or outside lane of the second row, and everyone else follows in an alternating pattern based on that choice.

The second-place driver's lane choice creates a ripple effect through the entire field. If they pick the outside lane, the third-place car must take the inside of that same row, the fourth-place car goes outside in the next row, and so on. This alternating pattern continues all the way to the back of the field, creating a zipper-like formation.

This restart format gives the leader a significant advantage. With no one beside them, they can accelerate without worrying about another car trying to pass them immediately. They also get to control the pace of the restart, deciding exactly when to hit the gas in the designated restart zone. This makes it harder for trailing drivers to challenge for the lead right away.

The Delaware start format also reduces the risk of first-corner incidents. When cars restart side-by-side from the front row, aggressive moves for the lead can result in contact and crashes. By giving the leader clear space, this restart style helps prevent those situations and keeps the race flowing more smoothly.

However, the Delaware start isn't used everywhere or all the time. Different racing series have different rules about restarts, and some tracks only allow this format under specific conditions. Some series might use it for most of the race but switch to single-file restarts during the final laps to increase excitement and give trailing drivers a better chance to challenge for the win.

It's important to note that just because cars are lined up doesn't mean they can start racing immediately. Drivers must maintain their positions until the leader accelerates and the green flag waves. Jumping the restart or passing before the green flag results in penalties, which can include being sent to the back of the field or receiving a drive-through penalty.