# GM Patents Drag Strip Launch Camera

> GM's camera system automatically launches cars by reading drag strip lights without driver input.
- Title: GM Patents Drag Strip Launch Camera · Motor1 | Shortify
- Summary: GM's camera system automatically launches cars by reading drag strip lights without driver input.
- Keywords: general motors, drag strip, launch control, christmas tree, corvette, pro tree, sportsman tree, Motor1
- Source: Motor1 — https://motor1.com/news/814671/gm-patents-camera-controlled-drag
- Author: Brian Potter
- Published: 2026-11-06T12:59:02+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: general motors, drag strip, launch control, christmas tree, corvette, pro tree, sportsman tree, cars
## GM Patents Launch Control System
General Motors won a patent for a camera-based launch control system that watches drag strip lights and automatically launches cars.
## System Uses Christmas Tree Lights
The system identifies Pro Tree and Sportsman Tree light patterns to time brake, torque, and throttle without driver input.
## Pro Tree vs Sportsman Tree Timing
Pro Tree fires all three amber lights together with green 0.4 seconds later while Sportsman Tree fires ambers in sequence half a second apart.
## No Vehicle Specified
The patent does not name any future GM model, vehicle, or production timeline for the system.
## Key takeaway

General Motors patented a camera that watches drag strip lights and triggers car launches without driver pedal input.