You have to know this flag stuff. There will be a test .......
Flags are used to communicate to the drivers. Flags may be used to warn drivers of changing conditions, a problem ahead, a faster car behind or the end of a session. It is imperative that all drivers commit the meanings of all flags to memory. A simple rule of thumb is that a waved flag indicates a more serious problem than a stationary one. Two waved flags indicate an increased level of seriousness. TC has seen three at an HSR event.
GREEN FLAG - The track is open and clear for use. This flag will be displayed for one lap after the caution flag has been shown.
YELLOW FLAG - The YELLOW flag, also known as the CAUTION flag, will be displayed for the first lap of the first open lapping session for each run group. No passing is allowed whenever the YELLOW flag is displayed. If the flag is waved it indicates that there is a serious problem just ahead, possibly a car or other obstruction on track. Slow down, and proceed with caution! Don't wear a yellow shirt and jump around near a corner worker station like Dave Crace did.
RED FLAG - This flag means something major has happened, and the track is being shut down. When red is displayed, the first thing you should do is look in your mirrors. Then apply your brakes smoothly and firmly until you come to a stop. Stay in your car where you are and you will be advised by someone (a corner worker or TracQuest official) when you may proceed. Remember, stay in your car!!! We do not want to see a red flag.
BLACK FLAG
Black Open - This flag means there is a problem with your driving and/or car. Slow down and come into the pits and stop in the hot pits at Start/Finish to talk to the Pre-grid controller. If you are not sure if the black flag is meant for you, it is still prudent to come in and check with the Pre-grid controller. If a black flag is shown at all corners slow down and come into the pits.
Black, Furled - If this Black Flag is pointed at you, it's a WARNING that you broke a rule or drove unsafely. Don't do it again! Stay out on track and behave yourself !
BLACK FLAG / ORANGE BALL - This flag, sometimes called the MEATBALL flag, means that the turn workers have noticed a problem with your car. Proceed around to the pit exit, exit the track and talk to the Pre-grid controller at Start/Finish about your mechanical problem. TC had beer cans blowing out of the windows and got meatballed once. Clean your car out before you go on the track. Do not spill fluids on the track. Use catch cans.
BLUE FLAG - This flag, commonly called the PASSING flag, means that you are being overtaken by cars that are faster than you in the corners, even if you may be much faster on the straights. When you see this flag, look in your mirrors. Signal and allow faster cars behind you to pass at the next passing zone. And remember: if a car is right behind you, he/she is probably faster than you - Scotty didn't just beam him in there!
WHITE FLAG - This flag indicates that there is an ambulance or slow moving vehicle on the track, which could be moving in the same direction or the opposite direction. Please be on the lookout for it. You may pass the vehicle carefully when you come upon it. If the flag is waved, this vehicle is just ahead; slow down.
YELLOW FLAG with RED STRIPES - Referred to as the
OIL flag or DEBRIS flag, this flag indicates
oil or debris on the track, or slippery conditions. The flag will be waved at the location of the problem for one or two laps. Caution throughout the session is recommended. Just because the flag isn't being waved throughout the rest of your session doesn't mean the problem has gone away.
CHECKERED FLAG - This flag means the driving session is over. Slow down and allow your car to cool down. Exit the track at the end of the lap. This flag will be displayed at Start/Finish only. Passing after the checkered flag is not recommended, unless you need to keep your tires hot in order to use a pyrometer. DO NOT BLOW THE CHECKERED FLAG!! Aside from being black flagged, you will know that 20-25 other cars are sitting there at Pre-grid, waiting for their session to begin, watching you go around the track BY YOURSELF!
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