Racing 101
Flags of NASCAR
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Green Flag- Green signals the beginning or resumption of competition. This flag is used at the beginning of the race or after a caution period to tell the drivers that the track is clear and they should begin racing for position. |
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Yellow Flag- A yellow flag means that there is a hazard on the race track and that the drivers should slow down and stay behind the pace car. This flag typically is displayed when there has been an accident. However it can come out for other reasons as well, such as, light rain, debris, an emergency vehicle needing to cross the track, or a NASCAR tire check. |
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White Flag- A white flag means that there is one more lap to go in the race. This flag is displayed exactly once per race. |
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Red Flag- The red flag means that all competition must stop. This not only includes the drivers on the race track but also the pit crews. If the crew is working on repairing a car in the garage area then they too must stop work when the red flag is displayed. The red flag is commonly seen during a rain delay or when the track is blocked due to emergency vehicles or a particularly bad accident. |
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Blue Flag with an Yellow Stripe- This is the "courtesy" flag or the "move over" flag. It is the only flag that is optional. A driver may, at his discretion, ignore this flag. It is displayed to a car (or group of cars) to let them know that the leaders are coming up behind them and that should be courteous and move over to let the leaders race. |
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Black Flag- The black flag is officially called "the consultation flag." It means that the driver who receives it must pit to respond to a NASCAR concern. Frequently the black flag is given to a driver who breaks a rule of some type such as breaking the speed limit on pit road. It can also be given to a driver who’s car is smoking, dropping pieces on the race track (or in danger of doing so) or a driver who is not maintaining the minimum safe speed on the race track. A driver receiving a black flag must pit within five laps. |
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Black with White 'X'- |
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Checkered Flag- |
