Standard Tree

A Standard Tree is an electronic starting system used in drag racing that displays three amber lights in sequence, each 0.5 seconds apart, followed by a green light after another 0.5-second pause to signal the start of the race.

When you watch a drag race, you'll see a tall vertical device with colored lights positioned between the two racing lanes—this is called the "Christmas tree." The Standard Tree is one type of lighting sequence that this device can display. It's designed to give drivers a predictable countdown before they launch their vehicles down the quarter-mile track.

The timing sequence works like this: the first amber light illuminates, then half a second later the second amber light turns on, followed by the third amber light another half second after that. Finally, after one more half-second delay, the green light appears. This means drivers have exactly 2 seconds from when they see the first amber light until they're supposed to go. This longer, sequential countdown makes it easier for racers to anticipate the green light and time their launch.

The Standard Tree is also commonly called a "Sportsman Tree" or "Full Tree" because it's primarily used in amateur and sportsman racing classes. These are the categories where weekend racers and developing drivers compete, rather than professional drag racers. The sequential lighting pattern gives less experienced drivers more time to react and helps them build consistent reaction times as they learn the sport.

Before the tree can start its countdown, both drivers must properly stage their vehicles. This involves rolling forward to break two invisible light beams positioned near the starting line. The first beam, located about 7 inches before the line, triggers the pre-stage lights. The second beam, right at the starting line, activates the stage lights. Only when both cars are staged will the starter activate the tree sequence.

The Standard Tree differs significantly from the Pro Tree used in professional drag racing. While the Standard Tree lights up its amber lights one at a time over 1.5 seconds, the Pro Tree flashes all three amber lights simultaneously, followed by just 0.4 seconds before the green light appears. This shorter timing in professional racing requires much faster reflexes and more experience.

Understanding the Standard Tree is essential for anyone learning drag racing. A driver's reaction time—measured from when the green light appears to when the car actually moves—can make the difference between winning and losing. The Standard Tree's predictable sequence helps beginners develop the muscle memory and timing skills they'll need as they advance in the sport.

If a driver leaves before the green light illuminates, they "red light" or commit a foul start, which typically results in automatic disqualification from that race, regardless of who reaches the finish line first. This rule applies to both Standard Tree and Pro Tree races, making proper reaction time crucial to success in drag racing.