From Road & Track · Stephen Rivers · · 1m
GM Patents Launch Control for Drag Racing
GM's new launch control system watches drag strip lights and auto-launches cars without driver input.
In brief
GM's new launch control system watches drag strip lights and auto-launches cars without driver input. GM has patented a system that automatically launches cars based on drag strip light timing, eliminating driver input. Originally reported by Road & Track.
GM Patents Launch Control
GM has patented technology that watches drag strip Christmas Tree lights and auto-launches cars without driver input.
System Uses Vehicle Cameras
The system uses on-board cameras to identify the drag strip Christmas Tree and predict launch timing.
Predicts Green Light Timing
It calculates when the race begins by comparing yellow light sequences against stored timing patterns.
Patent Details
U.S. Patent 12,780,203 was filed in January 2025 and granted on November 3, 2026.
Driver Activation
Drivers activate launch control by placing feet on both pedals and then removing them once the system takes over.
System Benefits
The system accounts for different event light sequences and calculates vehicle movement delay automatically.
What it means
GM has patented a system that automatically launches cars based on drag strip light timing, eliminating driver input.
