NASCAR Flags
The National Association of Stock Car Auto Racing (NASCAR) had its beginnings in Daytona Beach, Florida on February 15, 1948. The cost for a ticket to this event was $8 and spectators had to wait three days for a final result. It was a photo finish between Lee Petty and Johnny Beauchamp with Petty declared the winner.
NASCAR has grown tremendously since its beginnings but the one constant are the flags. There are eight official flags and every driver, pit crew, official, and spectator should be aware of their meanings and implications.
Green Flag-signals the beginning or resumption of competition.
Yellow Flag-indicates caution or hazard on the race track and all drivers should slow down and stay behind the pace car. A caution usually last a minimum of three laps.
White Flag-indicates one more lap to go in the race. This flag is displayed only once during a race.
Checkered Flag-signals the race is completed. The first driver to receive this flag is the winner of the race.
Red Flag-means all competition must stop. This includes drivers, pit crews, and crews working in the garage area. This flag is commonly seen during rain delays or when emergency vehicles are on the track due to a bad accident. Red flags are typically followed by a few yellow flags.
Black Flag-called the ‘consultation flag.’ The driver who receives this flag must pit to respond to a NASCAR concern (usually the breaking of a rule).
Black Flag with a White X-if a driver does not pit after receiving the black flag they will be shown this flag. It means they are no longer being scored and are officially disqualified from the race until they obey the previous black flag.
Blue Flag with the Orange Diagonal Stripe-the ‘courtesy flag’ or ‘move over’ flag is the only flag that is optional for drivers. It is typically displayed to a car or group of cars when the leaders are coming up from behind. This allows the leaders to continue racing.