Essentially, drag racing is a pairing of two vehicles against one another in a race through a straightaway course.  Hence, the start is the key to its uniqueness, because all races start from a standstill.  Today's modern starting system, commonly referred to as the "Tree", is a product of continued development, designed to provide each competitor with the fairest start possible  The system features a vertical series of lights, displaying a visual countdown for each driver. Most drivers try to make their move between the last amber light going off and the green light coming on. Technique in staging and starting is one of the most vital skills an E.T. Handicap drag racer can develop, since a majority of races are won or lost at the starting line. Close observation and lots of practice pays off.

Two separate performances are monitored for each run: the elapsed time and the speed  On an elapsed time run, the vehicle leaves the starting line, "breaking" the light beam which activates the electronic timer. As the vehicle continues through the course, the timer records the elapsed seconds and fractions of seconds until the vehicle breaks the finish line beam and stops the timer.  Top speed is determined by the vehicle tires breaking two additional light beams, at the finish line.