[Cglrcng]

The when and why, according to my research the why...The 2008 Pro season saw a lot of Guessin starts at the tree, the system was a bit too reliable and some Pro's were watching the tree (a lot more than just pro drivers were), and it was just flat out too predictable and too easy to guess when those .4 tenths yellows would flash, Pro drivers in the top fuel ranks were leaving before the yellows even activated, and it was evident.

It wasn't even "NHRA" as a body that requested that something must be done. It was the NHRA Driver's Committee Input, and The masterminds at Compulink went to work coding after the 2008 season was over, and it Debuted in the first 3 National Events of the 2009 NHRA season. (And proved it's worth immediately as the first and second races of the season saw a few Red Lights from Top Fuel Guessers, and it surprised more than a few drivers, nobody was guessing by Gainsville, they were now leaving again on yellow).

It has evolved to a very fair, and reliable starting system.

Like I said earlier, as a returning driver, I love it, it is clean, it is reliable, and best of all it is fair in my opinion, no games, straight forward, a great evolution in the game.

You. Me, the starter for safety (but out of the game early, still in control of us), and the variable computer that is fair, we know what the fouls are in advance and best of all...We activate the tree by our actions. And most times it is seamless, until it isn't.

You, me, and the tree. Like a drag race should be, a fair start! (If we start playing guessing games, somebody is going home early). Best of all, our tyranny guys are replacing a lot fewer bands and clutches. What a side benefit!