In first gear and the clutch in, feather the throttle between 3000-5000 rpm while you're waiting for the light to change (or handkercheif to wave). When it does, put the hammer down, dump the clutch, and hold on to the steering wheel with both hands. Shift right at redline..... just watch the tach and forget everything else. Do this and you've got a damn good chance at winning. Just make sure the A/C is off.