After reading all the replies I have some questions/thoughts...
What is the best way to start an onroad main that is fair and equal?
Does the race timer start when the horn sounds or the first car hits the lap counter?
Keep in mind that the the Top qualifiers should have some kind of advantage for being the fastest, second fastest, etc....
Horn/sound is not the answer as there are some hearing impaired people that might not be able to pick up the sound.
Flagman; if you are back in the grid you have to look at the flagman and then your car to start.
A set of lights; around the track like they have in F1 and NASCAR, cost $$$$
to install and hooked into the timing system. Hmm... a drag racing X-mas tree
might be a place to start....
Electric cars; The car can sit there until some type of signal is given.
Gas is a different story, can't sit there for too long, the car will die on the grid.
A rolling start, like everyone could go the same slow speed....
Have your pit person hold the car until they are given the signal to start which adds a new set of people to the main.
Have the mains line up in a single file on the racing groove?
Have a starting system like they do in the pine car and soapbox derby?
Can't wait to see some one create that one..
Or a starting system like in motorcross? Or like the America's Cup yacth?
Maybe like the Kentucky Derby.......
Dunno..... I look forward to reading what people think.....