Pro Tree

A Pro Tree is a starting system used in drag racing where all three amber warning lights flash on at the same time, followed 0.4 seconds later by the green light that signals racers to launch their vehicles.

In drag racing, the starting line uses a device called a Christmas Tree, which is a tall post with a vertical column of lights for each racing lane. This system ensures both drivers get a fair start. The Pro Tree is one of two main types of Christmas Tree configurations, and it's known for requiring lightning-fast reflexes from drivers.

Before the race begins, drivers must stage their cars at the starting line. They slowly roll forward until their front tires break an infrared light beam, which turns on the pre-stage lights. As they inch forward a bit more, they break a second beam that illuminates the stage lights, telling everyone they're ready to race. Once both drivers are staged, the starting sequence begins.

Unlike the Sportsman Tree where amber lights count down one at a time, the Pro Tree flashes all three amber lights simultaneously. This creates an intense moment where drivers must react instantly. After exactly 0.4 seconds, the green light comes on, and the race officially starts. Some racing organizations use a 0.3-second interval instead, but 0.4 seconds is most common.

The challenge with a Pro Tree is that drivers need incredible reaction times. Professional racers actually start moving before the green light appears, anticipating when it will turn on based on their knowledge of the 0.4-second timing. A perfect reaction time is 0.000 seconds, meaning the driver left exactly when the green light illuminated. Leaving too early results in a red light, which means instant disqualification, even if that driver would have won the race.

This starting system is primarily used in professional drag racing categories and heads-up racing, where both cars are expected to be equally matched and race side-by-side without any time advantages. Classes like Top Fuel, Funny Car, Pro Stock, and Pro Modified all use the Pro Tree because these races showcase pure speed and driver skill.

The Pro Tree differs significantly from the Sportsman Tree, which is used in bracket racing. The Sportsman Tree lights each amber sequentially with 0.5 seconds between each light, giving drivers more time to react. This makes it more beginner-friendly and better suited for racing with handicap systems where slower cars get a head start.

Understanding the Pro Tree is essential for anyone wanting to compete in professional drag racing, as mastering reaction times on this system separates good racers from great ones. Many professional drivers spend countless hours practicing their launches to achieve consistent reaction times in the 0.01 to 0.05-second range.