Launch

Launch refers to the initial acceleration of a vehicle from a standing start in motorsport, often a critical moment that can determine race position.

In its basic form, a launch is simply how well a driver accelerates off the starting grid when a race begins. A "good launch" means the driver effectively managed wheel spin and acceleration to gain an early advantage over competitors.

Many modern racing and high-performance vehicles feature "Launch Control" systems that electronically optimize this process. These systems manage engine power, traction, and sometimes gear shifts to provide maximum acceleration without wheel spin. When activated, Launch Control holds the engine at optimal RPM before automatically managing the power delivery once the race begins.