Flags

Pantera Club of Northern California

Race Flags

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Corner workers at tracks communicate with drivers via colored flags whose meanings are explained below. The exact meaning can vary from one event to another. Usually there are mandatory drivers' meeting the morning of the event where the track officials explain the meaning of their particular flags.

		Green The session has started or has restarted after a cautionary flag.

		Yellow Steady: There is a problem ahead on the track ahead of you such as a car having spun off the track. There is no passing. (You can pass the disabled car, just not the other cars at speed on the track.) A steady yellow flag can also be used during warm up laps to signal no passing. Waving: There is a problem immediately ahead on the track.

		Red There is a major problem on the track. All cars must stop on the edge of the track (preferably not on the exit from blind curves or anywhere else they you might be rear ended.)

		White A while flag can indicate that either the session is on the final lap, or there are emergency vehicles on the track such as an ambulance or fire truck.

		Blue with Yellow Stripe There are faster cars coming up behind you. This flag is just advisory. You are not required to let them pass.

		Black You have done something that you should not have. Pull into the pit so that the track officials can talk to you about it.

		Meatball There is a problem with your car such as a fluid leak or parts falling off. Pull into the pit so that the track officials can look at your car and talk to you about it.

		Red and Yellow Striped There is something on the track ahead of you such as oil or debris.

		Checkered The session has ended. Slow down and let the brake rotors cool. Exit the track into the pits.