How do I launch an automatic?
Basically, the trick is to hold the brake, rev to the desired rpm, then release the brake. Of course, it takes plenty of practice to get it just right.
When you're at the track, there will be a small puddle of water at the start of the track. This is known as the waterbox. Unless you're running slicks or racing tires, drive AROUND it! Although some people will claim otherwise, there really is little value to doing a big fat smokey burn out on street tires. All it will achieve is ripping up the nice rubber surface the big cars have laid down.
4 speed automatics have that wonderfully annoying Traction Control feature, which will cause your car to bog if the wheels start to spin. Most Sunfires are fortunate enough to have a switch which will turn off the ETS. If you don't, or you have a Cavalier, either downshift the car into 2nd gear (and remember to move it back up to 3 or D once the car starts moving), or pull the e-brake up ONE click. One click is not enough to engage the e-brake, but it will trick the computer into turning off the ETS system temporarily.
Next, you'll want to pull up to the starting line until you trip the "pre-stage" lights. Once those lights come on, wait for your opponent to light up their "pre-stage" lights. Once theirs are lit up, inch up a bit more untill the "stage" lights come on. Once you're "staged" you're signifying that you are ready to race.
Now, time for the power braking. Hold the brake to the floor and press the gas until your RPM's read about 1800-2200 RPM (depends on the car). You will feel the car want to pull forward (despite your foot on the brake). Don't give it too much gas that you actually start to move forward though. The rpm speed at which the car will overcome the brakes is known as the stall speed. Most 4 speeds have a 2200 rpm stall speed.
Watch the lights carefully now. When the 3rd yellow comes on, mash the gas and release your foot from the brake simultaneously. If you put the car into 2nd gear, remember to upshift to 3rd or D before the rpms get too high. Keep the gas to the floor until you cross the finish line.
If you experience any wheel spin off the line, try lightly "rolling" onto the gas, or lowering the air pressure in the front tires to promote better traction.
Practice, practice, practice. Few people get it right the first time, so keep trying until you get the hang of it. After a while, it will come naturally and feel perfectly normal.
