Delaware Start

A Delaware Start is a racing restart format where the race leader occupies the front row alone, while all other drivers line up two-wide behind them, giving the leader a strategic advantage.

In this restart procedure, used primarily in short track racing, the leader gets to choose which lane (inside or outside) they prefer after a caution period. The second-place driver then takes position in the second row, followed by the rest of the field in alternating positions based on race order.

The Delaware Start was designed to reduce first-turn accidents by giving the leader clear track ahead. For example, during a Delaware Start at a local speedway, you might see the leader choose the outside lane, with second and third place starting side-by-side in the row behind, followed by fourth and fifth in the next row.