How to Understand the Meaning of NASCAR Flags

If you are a NASCAR fan, you know the importance of the colorful flags used during the races--they keep the racers, crews and fans aware of current track conditions and penalties. You are probably familiar with the most common ones, but may have wondered about the meaning of the others.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

1. Begin or resume the race with the waving of a green flag. This indicates that the track is clear and safe. It is used at the beginning of a race and after a caution period.
2. Stop all race activity when the red flag appears. It is waved for a rain delay or if emergency vehicles come onto the track after an accident. Not only do the racers have to stop, but all pit crews have to cease working during the same time.
3. Slow down and follow the pace car is the meaning of the yellow flag. If an accident occurs, it begins to rain, or debris is on the track this flag is waved.
4. Notice that the black flag is waved to alert a driver to a concern. NASCAR officials call this the consultation flag and they require the driver to go to the pit to respond.
5. Spot the black flag with the white "X "and know that 5 laps have occurred since the driver received the black flag and failed to go to the pit. When this happens, the driver is disqualified from the race.
6. Recognize that the blue flag with the diagonal orange stripe is optional for the driver. It is a courtesy flag meaning to move over and let the leaders pass. The driver can ignore the flag if he chooses. However, NASCAR frowns upon repeatedly ignoring this flag without a valid reason.
7. Realize that there is only one lap to go when the white flag waves. This is the only flag that is used just once during a race.
8. Look for the checkered flag that signifies the end of the race. Every driver wants to be the first one in the race to receive this one and be the big winner.