What is the name of the starting light system in drag racing?

The starting light system in drag racing is called the Christmas tree. It is the electronic tower of signal lights that stages drivers, counts down the launch, and flags an early departure.

A typical tree has separate indicators for each lane. Small upper lights show that a car is pre-staged, while lower staging lights confirm that its front wheels are positioned at the starting line. Three amber lights then provide the countdown, followed by green for a clean start and red for a foul.

The system debuted at the 1963 U.S. Nationals at Indianapolis Raceway Park. Earlier starts relied on a flagman, whose timing could be inconsistent and whose position near staggered cars created safety concerns. The name comes from the tower’s vertical arrangement and colorful lights, which resemble a decorated Christmas tree.

A common mix-up is treating the Christmas tree as a timing device alone. It is primarily a starting and foul-detection system; separate track sensors and timing equipment measure reaction time, elapsed time, and finish speed. “Sportsman” trees illuminate amber lights sequentially, while “professional” trees flash all three together.