Lesson 2: NASCAR Glossary
Racing Flags
A explanation of the flags used in NASCAR racing.
GREEN FLAG -- The green flag is used to start all racetrack event activities including practice, individual qualifying runs, and race events. The race is underway and continuing as long as the green flag is prevalent.
YELLOW FLAG -- The yellow or “caution” flag is used to signify trouble on the racetrack which may include wrecks, debris on the track, wet track surface, or any other dangerous condition on the racetrack. It is an immediate signal for the racecars to slow down and fall in place behind the official race pace car.
BLACK FLAG -- The black flag is used to inform a race driver of a rules infraction, or unsafe condition concerning his racecar. When the black flag is shown to a driver, he must immediately leave the racetrack and report to his pit box in the pit area.
RED FLAG -- The red flag signifies that all action on the racetrack must be stopped immediately. It is commonly used when the race track is blocked by wreckage or deemed unsafe for use. It has recently been used by NASCAR to stop a race during a late race caution period in order to clean up wreckage, allowing the race to end under green flag conditions instead of under a caution period. It is also used to signify the end of practice periods. During the time that the red flag is shown crews in the pit and garage areas are not allowed to work on their racecars. All activity, other than that of track safety and clean up crews, must come to a stop.
BLUE/YELLOW FLAG -- This is the “move over” flag to notify a slower driver that he should move over to allow faster racecars to pass by him because he is holding up the race. It is often shown to drivers who are not on the lead lap and are racing with the leaders in an effort to get their lap back.
WHITE FLAG -- This flag signifies that there is only one lap remaining in the race or qualifying run. It lets the race leaders know that they are on the last lap of the race.
CHECKERED FLAG -- This flag signifies that the event on the track is over. It is used mainly to let drivers know that they have won the race, or in qualifying time trials, it lets the driver know that his qualifying run is over.
