How to get manual starts right?

[leograno]

Hey there,
I am struggling to get a good launch off the grid, half the cars overtake me even before 1st corner. Using no assists, AI level 95, Logitech G29 wheel and pedal set.
I tried different approaches: Building up the revs to 10.000 - 12.000 rpm, hold it there, then drop the clutch and adjust the throttle. I either end up running into anti-stall or massive wheelspin.
Is there a secret, like releasing the clutch progressively?
Looking forward to some advice!
Cheers
Leo

[Synth]

There is no secret; just keep your revs at about 10,000> rpm and release clutch when lights go off. After that you want to keep revs at the same level for a little bit to reduce wheelspin; than put fuel mix to rich and never upshift to late. If you are using no TC it is also higly recommended to put fuel mix to lean upon starting the car to reduce wheel-spin even more (specially in the rain)

[SRR Krieg]

When you drop the clutch DO NOT go full throttle. Hold your revs where they are. You will get a short moment of wheel spin and then you will feel the wheels hook up (around a second). As soon as my wheels hook up i roll on the throttle (around half a second) and in that roll up to full throttle I short shift to 2nd, hook up and short shift to 3rd. At that point don't shift until you are max revs (rev counter flashing). Your engine can take a little punishment for the start.

another tip is to make your setup with your accel diff maxed (100) for grip. Then after the first turn adjust it on the fly for the remainder of the race ;)

Also when I feel i am hooked up i go to rich fuel mode. (usually between 2nd and 3rd gear).

Hope that helps :D Happy racing.

[SRR Krieg]

Presuming you are using a wheel.

another tip for "releasing" the clutch. Don't release the clutch by sliding your fingers off the side of your shifter (i.e. holding the shifter with the tips of your fingers and letting it go by sliding your fingers off the side of the shfter so it pops or bounces). sliding your fingers is a waste of time...a tenth maybe

Release your clutch just like you shift. If you sit in a quiet room and pull on your shifter you will hear a "click" it's usually happens around 20-50 percent. That is your activation point so you do not have to pull your shifter 100 percent, you just need to pull it until you hear that click and hold it there. This way, when you release it, it is almost instant...there is no "dead zone".

Sure it's only a tenth or two but that tenth or two in reaction time makes a huge impact on your starts :D

[leograno]

Thank you guys, that actually helped me out a lot. I sometimes spin, but most starts now at least decent, sometimes even great! :)