How to Drop the Clutch

Dropping the clutch, or launching, is a technique used in racing for quick acceleration. The idea is to rev the engine to produce maximum torque, drop the clutch and then apply that power to the wheels, with a minimum amount of spin.

  • Position your vehicle and come to a complete stop. It's best to perform a launch on a track under the proper conditions.

  • Push the clutch all the way down with one foot and press the accelerator with your other foot. Raise the engine's RPM to a consistent level, keeping it at a moderate range for your first try. Once you become familiar with the procedure, you can increase the RPM.

  • Lift your foot from the clutch slowly, to the point where the car is about to start moving, and then keep both pedals steady.

  • Wait until you're ready to launch. Slowly let up on the clutch, and at the same time quickly press the accelerator to launch your vehicle. You want a quick launch without an extreme amount of tire spinning. If you have too much tire spin, lower the RPM on your next try.