:: Meaning of the Flags::
 | |  | |  | |  | |  | |  |
:: It's all in the flags::
This is, of course, the checkered flag, the flag which has
single-handedly come to stand for auto racing. It is used to signal the
end of an event, whether that event is a hot lap session, a practice
session, a series of time trial laps, or a race. It is waved when the
leader of a race crosses the finish line to signal that the leader has
won the race. The checkered flag is often given to the winner of a race
to be carried around the track in a victory lap.
single-handedly come to stand for auto racing. It is used to signal the
end of an event, whether that event is a hot lap session, a practice
session, a series of time trial laps, or a race. It is waved when the
leader of a race crosses the finish line to signal that the leader has
won the race. The checkered flag is often given to the winner of a race
to be carried around the track in a victory lap.
The green flag means that the race has started, and laps are being
counted. It is used to signal the start of an event, including a hot lap
session, a practice session, a series of time trial laps, or a race.
Furled and twirled above the starter's head, it means a practice or hot
lap session can begin at full racing speed.
counted. It is used to signal the start of an event, including a hot lap
session, a practice session, a series of time trial laps, or a race.
Furled and twirled above the starter's head, it means a practice or hot
lap session can begin at full racing speed.
The yellow flag means caution. It is used to tell the racers to run slowly,
either before an event begins or during a race. If it is waved during a
race, it usually means there has been an accident or spinout
somewhere on the track, or there is some debris on the track. That is,
the race must be temporarily halted. In some types of racing, typically
short track or dirt track racing, the lap count is halted until the race is
restarted.
either before an event begins or during a race. If it is waved during a
race, it usually means there has been an accident or spinout
somewhere on the track, or there is some debris on the track. That is,
the race must be temporarily halted. In some types of racing, typically
short track or dirt track racing, the lap count is halted until the race is
restarted.
The red flag means danger - all cars must come to a complete stop. It
is usually used when a more serious accident occurs, or when the
track becomes completely blocked. When the red flag is waved, all
vehicles must come to a complete stop and turn off their engines.
While the red flag is displayed, the lap count is halted until the race is
restarted.
is usually used when a more serious accident occurs, or when the
track becomes completely blocked. When the red flag is waved, all
vehicles must come to a complete stop and turn off their engines.
While the red flag is displayed, the lap count is halted until the race is
restarted.
The white flag means there is one more lap remaining in a race. It is
waved when the leader of the race crosses the finish line at the
beginning of the final lap, and it is displayed to all remaining cars
until the leader again crosses the finish line.
waved when the leader of the race crosses the finish line at the
beginning of the final lap, and it is displayed to all remaining cars
until the leader again crosses the finish line.
The blue flag with the diagonal stripe is used to signal a driver that
his vehicle is about to be passed (lapped) by another car. The car at
which this flag is waved is supposed to move out of the way and let
the faster car go by. For this reason, it has come to be known as the
"move over" flag, and it is normally not a flag which a driver likes to
be shown.
The black flag is displayed to a specific vehicle to indicate that it
must leave the track. This usually occurs either because the driver
has broken a rule, or the vehicle is judged to be unfit to continue the
race in its present condition. If the driver has broken a rule, usually a
penalty is assessed and the car can continue the race. If the vehicle
is unfit to continue the race, it must make any required repairs
before re-entering the track.
must leave the track. This usually occurs either because the driver
has broken a rule, or the vehicle is judged to be unfit to continue the
race in its present condition. If the driver has broken a rule, usually a
penalty is assessed and the car can continue the race. If the vehicle
is unfit to continue the race, it must make any required repairs
before re-entering the track.
This is a description of the flags used at auto racing events. Some types of racing
do not use all of these flags, and other types have additional flags specific to that
type of racing. However, these are the most common.
do not use all of these flags, and other types have additional flags specific to that
type of racing. However, these are the most common.