How to Learn the Racing Flags for Dirt Karts
The sport of go-karting, now just known as "karting," began in the late 1950s with people organizing informal events in parking lots. The sport has grown into competitions on tracks built especially for karts. The karts themselves are about 72 inches long, about 50 inches wide and have no suspension. A kart weighs about 150 pounds. Professional race car drivers like Tony Stewart and Danica Patrick began their careers with karts. Flags are used to alert drivers on the track to problems and dangerous situations.
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Instructions
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Go back to the start line if there is a green flag with a gold V on it. It means there has been a false start. You must do another formation lap.
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Be aware of problems at the Start/Finish line if you see a black-and-yellow flag divided into quarters. The leader must slow down, and the other karts must follow her until the problem is fixed.
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Slow down immediately and proceed cautiously to the pit stops or the start line if you see a solid red flag. Be prepared to stop if there has been an accident.
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Slow down, and do not pass anyone if you see a solid yellow flag that is held still. It means there is danger somewhere on the track. A solid yellow flag that is waved means there is a serious problem on the track. Slow down, be prepared to stop and do not pass. A solid green flag is the all clear after yellow flags have been raised.
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A solid yellow flag with vertical red stripes that is held still means that the track is slippery ahead. If the flag is waved, it means the surface could become slippery.
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End the race or the practice with a black-and-white checkered flag.
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Watch for other flags that have your number on them. A solid black flag means you must go to the pits. A black flag with an orange circle means you are having mechanical trouble or a fire. A black-and-white flag divided diagonally means that race officials suspect you have done something wrong.
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Note solid blue flags. They mean another driver is close behind you, or trying to pass. A white flag means there is a slow-moving vehicle on the track.
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit East West World
