CONCORD, N.C. - Did you know that there are 15 different flag designations that administer control and flow throughout every NASCAR race weekend?
While some may not be utilized in every race – or rarely at all – each represents a significant message from NASCAR for the drivers and crews as a race unfolds.
Let's take a look at what each of these flags mean:
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What does a green flag mean?
Quite simply, it's go time. More technically speaking, according to NASCAR, the green flag represents unique purposes when it waves: 1) the start of on-track activity for practice, qualifying or race, 2) racing to continue under full-speed conditions, and/or 3) transitioning a race from a caution period to full-speed conditions.
What does a yellow flag mean?
Also known as a caution, this flag brings the race to a slower, more controlled pace because of an on-track incident or debris that would impede any full-speed track conditions. When race officials wave the caution flag, it also signals that a pace car will be entering the track to regulate the field.
What does a red flag mean?
This flag immediately brings any on-track activity to a stop. Depending on the circumstances, cars will be brought to an immediate halt on track, or they will be ushered onto pit road at a reduced speed. This flag is traditionally waved to clean up an on-track incident, or in response to inclement weather. Additionally, teams are prohibited from working on their cars either in the pits or garage area under red-flag conditions. If and when the race resumes, the field is brought back under caution until the green flag is presented.
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What does a white flag mean?
This flag waves when there’s one lap to go in the race. If there is a caution period while the flag is displayed, the field is frozen, and the event immediately ends. Safety concerns are the priority.
What does a blue flag mean?
Exclusively used on road courses to warn drivers that hard-to-see trouble lies ahead. The impediment may be disruptive but green-flag conditions remain.
What does a checkered flag mean
If you are leading, this is THE flag you want to see. It signifies the race is over and that the driver will be officially scored in the position they cross the start-finish line. The checkered flag also ends each attempt at qualifying.
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What does a checkered flag in the middle of a race mean?
Signifies that a race stage has ended.
What does a blue flag with a yellow stripe mean?
This flag is used to inform a driver – or group of drivers – that the leaders or a group of lead lap cars are approaching and to either move over or drive with courtesy, especially if they are likely to be passed shortly.
What does a black flag mean?
If race officials deem that the driver or team has committed an on-track offense or has not met minimum speed requirements, the black flag will be directed towards that driver under green flag conditions. Traditionally called the ‘consultation flag,’ the driver and team will be met with a NASCAR official in the pits to determine the infraction and resulting penalty.
What does a black flag with crossed white lines mean?
If a driver fails to comply with the initial black flag presentation after five laps, this flag will be displayed to indicate that the team will no longer be scored. The driver will more than likely be disqualified.
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What does a yellow flag with red stripes mean?
A yellow flag with vertical red striping is also exclusive to road courses and it means there’s debris on track.
What does a red flag with a yellow stripe mean?
Waved at the entrance to pit road, this flag indicates that pit road is closed. Flag is withdrawn opening the pits when every car is lined up behind the pace car and yellow/caution conditions fully commence.
What do red and black flags together mean?
These flags will wave simultaneously to indicate that a practice or qualifying session has ended.
What does two checkered flags mean?
An optional flag display that race officials can use to signify the race has reached the halfway point.
What is a green-white-checkered finish?
This happens if a caution occurs in the final two laps, as officials hope to continue a race that has been placed under yellow flag conditions – in hopes of having a green flag finish. When the race returns to green flag conditions, NASCAR authorizes a two-lap run to the finish. A green starts the race with two to go, the white is waved to signify the final lap, and checkers ends the race. If additional cautions occur, NASCAR will allow for up to three attempts at a green flag ending.