Abstract: An improved hydraulic clutch engagement system for use in a drag racing motor vehicle provides automatic engagement of the clutch for launching the car at the start of a race, without sacrificing manual control of the clutch necessary for power staging the car at the starting line prior to the race. A clutch assembly is movable between engaged and disengaged positions, wherein the car is driven when the clutch assembly is engaged. A slave cylinder is mounted adjacent to the clutch assembly. Main and return fluid lines extend between and flowingly connect the slave cylinder to a master cylinder. A pedal is operatively connected to the master cylinder for manually controlling the clutch assembly through displacement of a hydraulic fluid. A normally-closed solenoid valve is incorporated into the return line.