If the game runs extensively from the disc it could be a scratch on the disc; however, with some newer PC games little is stored on the disc anymore. It’s quite possible a file has been corrupted along the way. A reinstall might fix this issue if that’s the case. Just make sure you backup your save files.

The more I am playing this game I have come to the conclusion that you don’t always get a “starting light”. The are street racers…therefore, it depends on the venue. They may not always have a light. Since I have asked the question I have done other drag races in the game where there is a light and others that do not.