a method and system for controlling engine speed during a vehicle launch , such vehicle having the engine is coupled to an automatic shifting manual transmission . the method comprises determining a spark timing offset based on one or more of engine speed , a time rate of engine speed , relative air charge , engine coolant temperature , accelerator pedal position , and a time rate of change of accelerator pedal position . a new spark timing is determined as the base spark timing minus the spark timing offset . by adjusting spark timing based primarily on a time rate of change of engine speed , engine speed fluctuations arising during a clutch engagement associated with vehicle launch are largely attenuated .