I thought about the JIT compilaton but the pause happens about 80 frames after the start of each race not only the first. I can’t think what it could be as it always happens around the same spot +/- a few frames.
To win try hugging the inner walls.
What platform did you play on. I have only tested it on windows so it would be interesting to see how portable it really is.
Alan_W ,
You were right on. The delay at the start was due to the JIT. I was not letting the main loop run whilst waiting for the start of the game. So after about 80 loops the JIT kicked in. I now let he loop run and the pause happens while waiting for the key hit instead of while racing. Is there a way to force the JIT earlier or is it correct to just let it run.
You just let it run 
Just to bring this thread back to life… :-\
I’ve written a useful tool to show the sizes of the internals of your class file. Can help to find out what’s taking up all the valuable space in your classes.
Look here: http://192.18.37.44/forums/index.php?topic=10771.0