The Flags Used In A Race And What They Symbolize
Photo source: http://www.theflagshop.co.nz/shop/index.php?cPath=69
You may have wondered why races wave different sorts of flags with different colors. If you are a rookie in this sports or you’re just a fanatic spectator wanting to recognize the tools used in your favorite pastime, here is a comprehensive discussion of the different flags used in a race and what exactly they stand for.
Perhaps you’re familiar with NASCAR, the popular car racing events organizer. Since they’re one of the most influential motor sports entities today, let’s first talk about the racing flags they use and what each means.
NASCAR Racing Flags: Learning The Basics
We all know that green means go and red means stop. It’s a casual traffic symbol as well, so that part is pretty much easy to remember. But what do the other colors signify?
Most of other races just go off with no hitch, but in NASCAR, flags flying could mean the big difference in coming in or out the running. You may have always thought that the racers are the key people on the track. However, it’s actually the flagmen that pit crew and spotters are keeping an eye on. Yeah, yeah. This may sound so old fashioned and outdated, but up to this time, flags remain the key tool that gives a signal for NASCAR racers, their fans, and their crews. Flags equal to certain game conditions or penalties.
If you have attended a NASCAR contest, you might have been familiar with some flags they commonly use. The green flag symbolizes the start of the race or the “go ahead and continue” after having waved a conditional flag. A yellow flag means “caution” because of an adverse case or an accident. on the track. The white flag, on the other hand, means the last and final lap of the race. The checkered flag signals the end of the race the proclamation of the winner. However, on top of these commonly used flag colors, there are other flags that you might not always see in racing competition.
NASCAR Flags Explained In Detail
The drivers of NASCAR do not usually want to pay attention to a flag while racing– apart from the green one, the white, and, of course, the checkered. That’s mainly because the rest of the flags indicate that something went wrong. It could be a yellow flag that alerts caution for an accident to a serious red flag that brings a total stop for the race. Drivers don’t usually want to get distracted as they put their head on the game. However, flags are there to signal everyone involved, so if you’re a driver not minding to take a look at the flags flying around apart from the ones you just want to see, you should change your tactic. You need to be aware of what’s exactly happening for you to know how to progress. So, in your next race, hopefully you’ll check out all of the flags below:
- Green – The race has started or has resumed after a conditional flag.
- Yellow – Racing is under caution. The conditions are hazardous or adverse.
- Red – Stop the race. Each of the repair work and pit crew should cease.
- Black – Known as the “consultation flag”. The driver must pit typically because of a rule violation.
- Black with White “X” – Driver is no longer going to be scored because of failing to pit under the black flag.
- Blue With Yellow Stripe – It means let those faster cars by. It is optional to some extent.
- White Flag – Signals the race’s final lap.
- Checkered flag – The race is finally over. The winner is about to be announced.
The 8 flags above are the ones that you usually see in a car race.
If you’re attending or participating in some other race, there could be more kinds of flags you might see. Here are the flags you can see upon watching or joining a kart race:
Photo source: http://www.blacksheepracing.com/Flags.htm
Blue Flag
(1) Stationary- If the flag is not waved and just raised, it means another contestant is closely following behind.
(2) Waved- If the blue flag is waved, that means another competitor is trying to overtake.
Photo source: http://www.blacksheepracing.com/Flags.htm
White Flag
This means a slow moving car is on the circuit.
(1) Stationary-When stationary, it means the car is in the next sector.
(2) Waved- When the white flag is waved, it means that a sector of track car is in.
Photo source: http://www.blacksheepracing.com/Flags.htm
Red Flag
This means to stop driving at a racing speed. Just proceed slowly, and don’t overtake. Be cautious of the start line or the pits. Obey the marshal’s directions and get ready to stop in case the track gets blocked.
Photo source: http://www.blacksheepracing.com/Flags.htm
Yellow Flag
(1) Stationary- Slow down and ensure total control of your kart. Don’t overtake.
(2) Waved- This means great danger and you need to considerably slow down. Get ready to deviate suddenly from the racing line or take an evasive move or stop, but no overtaking.
Photo source: http://www.blacksheepracing.com/Flags.htm
Green Flag
Everything is clear at the danger area. This is also used to signal the start of the practice or the race.
Photo source: http://www.blacksheepracing.com/Flags.htm
Yellow Flag with Red Stripes
(1) Stationary- There’s a slippery surface ahead.
(2) Waved- Imminent slippery surface.
Photo source: http://www.blacksheepracing.com/Flags.htm
Black and white checkered flag
End of the practice or the race.
Photo source: http://www.blacksheepracing.com/Flags.htm
Gray Flag
This is typically shown with a white number. This means that the driver must return to the pits within one lap of the signal receipt and immediately report to the Clerk of the Course.
Photo source: http://www.blacksheepracing.com/Flags.htm
Gray Flag with orange circular print
This is also displayed with a white number. This notifies a driver for an obvious mechanical error or fire which the driver may not have noticed. The kart should be set on the next lap for prompt repairs.
Photo source: http://www.blacksheepracing.com/Flags.htm
Gray and White Flag
Again, this is shown with a white number. This serves as a warning to a driver that his behavior is suspicious, and he could be black flagged if the issue persists.
Photo source: http://www.blacksheepracing.com/Flags.htm
Yellow and Black Flag (Checkered)
This flag could be first shown after an issue reported at the start or finish line (then trackwise at each post). Upon passing this flag, the leader must slow down and not exceed 50 mph/ 80kh. The rest of the karts will then line up in a close formation behind the leading driver who acts as a pace kart till the issue is cleared. The race then normally resumes with the green flag raised at the start or finish line,simultaneously withdrawing the yellow/ black flags around the circuit.
Photo source: http://www.blacksheepracing.com/Flags.htm
Green Flad with Yellow Mark
This flag is unique to karting. This means that a false start has been done and people should assume grid positions and do another formation.
Photo source: http://www.blacksheepracing.com/Flags.htm
The national flag
This is used only to start a race. Usually used when the kart starting lights don’t work.
Now that you already know the flags you can possibly see on a car or kart race, you can finally enjoy a better race viewing experience. Enjoy the whole game, and check if you can still remember what every flag signals the next time you watch a race. You don’t really have to memorize all the flags when you’re just watching a race. However, doing so could double the fun and help you have a total grasp of what exactly is going on in the game.