Sunday’s Highlands 101 GT race will kick-off with a modern interpretation of the classic Le Mans-style pitlane starting procedure.
The traditional Le Mans start, used at the French classic prior to 1971, saw drivers run to their parked cars once a starting signal had been given.
The subsequent process of blasting out of pitlane while fastening seatbelts and avoiding slower runners was highly dangerous, eventually resulting in a rolling start being used from 1971.
The Highlands 101 will see cars lined up at 45 degrees in pitlane for the start but with the non-starting co-drivers completing the short run.
The co-drivers will then take a velcro strip from the back of their respective cars as a visual signal of completing the run.
Each car controller will subsequently instruct their driver, who is already strapped into the car, to leave pitlane and start the race.
Tony Quinn, who owns both the circuit and the Australian GT Championship, said that he expects the unique rules to provide an exciting but safe start.
“Normal pit lane rules apply so speed is limited to 40 km/h and the starting driver will only accelerate to racing speeds once they’ve exited pit lane,” he said.
“Everyone will be briefed thoroughly and our officials will be watching carefully and issuing drive-through penalties to any teams who create an incident during what will be a frantically exciting start.”
The 101 field will consist of an amalgamation of Australian GT and South Island Endurance Series competitors.
Two points races on the Saturday will conclude the 2013 AGTC, which has already been secured by Klark Quinn.
CLICK HERE for the full field of cars and drivers heading to the event from Australia
