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Flags are the MOST IMPORTANT form of communication the Officials have with the drivers while they are on the track. Therefore, it is imperative that drivers know what each flag means.

Green

Green Flag

Session is open.
Yellow

Yellow Flag - Motionless

Slow down. Danger ahead. ABSOLUTELY NO PASSING is permitted, until completely passed the incident, or until past next manned flag station that is not displaying any Yellow Flag(s), whichever comes first. Note: There may be several yellow flags before reaching the emergency area. The requirements are still the same, “SLOW DOWN, NO PASSING.”

Yellow Flag - Waving

Great danger, slow down. Be prepared to stop. ABSOLUTELY NO PASSING is permitted, until completely past the incident, or until past the next manned flag station that is not displaying any Yellow Flag(s), whichever comes first.

Double Yellow Flags

Full course yellow condition exists. Be prepared to encounter a Pace Car and/or emergency vehicles. Drivers should not significantly slow down. Be prepared to encounter a slow moving pack and other local flag conditions. Always obey the local flag conditions (e.g. waving yellow). ABSOLUTELY NO PASSING is permitted, until the Pace Car (if on track) has pulled off AND the driver has past the next manned flag station that is not displaying any Yellow Flag(s).
Black

Black Flag - Open

Track Officials want to talk to you. Complete current lap and pull into the pits for consultation.

Black Flag - Furled

Warning. You are driving in an unsafe manner or you did something wrong. If you continue to do so, an open black flag will be shown to you.

Black Flag All

All manned turn stations will display standing black flags during this condition. Some turns will display a sign with the word “ALL.” All cars proceed to hot pits. No passing.
Checkered

Checkered Flag

Session is over. Complete current lap cautiously and exit via pit lane. Passing rules remain the same during the checkered flag lap.
Red

Red Flag

Emergency. Come to an immediate and controlled stop on the side of the track, in a safe location. All manned flag stations around the course may display a Red Flag. This means that the session has been stopped. No passing is allowed. As soon as all drivers have come to a stop in a safe area, all of the flag stations should drop their Red Flags and one of the following should take place:
  1. All flag stations will motion to the drivers to continue. All drivers shall proceed to the starting line using extreme caution, being prepared to stop if necessary. Drivers should remain in their cars and prepare for the session to resume.
  2. All flag stations will display double yellow flags indicating that the drivers should continue on course until a green flag is displayed.
  3. All flag stations will display a black flag indicating that the remainder of the session has been canceled and the drivers should exit the track.
Blue

Passing Advisory Flag

Another vehicle is following you very closely and may attempt a pass.
Debris

Debris Flag (yellow with vertical red stripes)

Caution. Oil or debris may be present on the track surface or a slippery condition may be present. Note: If the car can be driven over the problem, it should be the debris flag. If the car cannot be driven over the problem it should be a yellow flag.
White

White Flag

Emergency vehicle or slow moving vehicle is on course.
Mechanical

Mechanical Black Flag

(a.k.a. meatball flag) There appears to be something mechanically wrong with your car. Proceed to the pits at reduced speed.

Pace Car

Follow the Pace Car at about the same speed. Do not pass the Pace Car unless instructed to do so by the Pace Car personnel. Passing is only allowed after the Pace Car has pulled off AND the driver has passed the next manned flag station that is not displaying a yellow flag. A Pace Car with its lights off may be treated like any other car.

TrackDaze puts on some of the safest and most professional track events I attend, but always manages to keep the fun factor alive at the same time.

- Mike Skeen