Flags

Flags at the Track

This is a summary of the flags commonly used at Porsche Club events as well as most other events at a motorsports park. Note that each flag has specific rules to follow when that flag is displayed.

Green Flag

  • Track is clear.
  • Session under way.
Standing Yellow Flag
  • Problem somewhere on the track ahead of you requiring caution.
  • Check mirrors and slow car down safely; do not slam on brakes.
  • Also displayed during warm-up laps.
  • NO PASSING ALLOWED until in sight of the next corner station without a yellow flag and only in an approved passing zone.
Waving Yellow Flag
  • Problem that may require evasive action in your immediate area.
  • Slow car down; do not slam on brakes.
  • Be prepared to go off line safely.
  • Check behind you.
  • NO PASSING ALLOWED until in sight of the next corner station without a yellow flag and only in an approved passing zone.
Yellow Flag with Red Stripes Debris or “Slippery” Flag
  • Oil, debris, or animals on track creating a potentially hazardous condition.
  • Slow car down; do not slam on brakes.
  • Be prepared to go off line safely.
  • If flag is not available, use waving yellow.
Blue Flag with Yellow Stripe or Solid Blue “Passing” Flag
  • Car behind wanting to pass.
  • Check mirrors.
  • Give passing signal in, or if possible, before the next approved passing zone.
  • Lift off throttle and let car pass.
  • In some situations a car will not be behind you, but you may be shown this flag to be aware that a car is closing on you and will catch you in a few corners; so, start watching your mirrors more actively.
White Flag

  • Slow-moving or emergency vehicle in your immediate area (i.e., ahead of you).
  • Slow car down and proceed with caution.
  • Treat this flag as if it were a yellow flag (NO PASSING ALLOWED).
  • A waving white flag means the slow-moving vehicle is between you and the next flag station. CAUTION!
Black Flag
  • NO PASSING ALLOWED on full-course black.
  • Acknowledge and pull safely into pits.
  • When pointed at you, something is wrong with your car or your driving. Proceed cautiously to Steward at the Black Flag Station area in the pit area. If you are not sure if the black flag was pointed at you, come into the pits after displaying the pit signal, and proceed to the Black Flag Station.
  • Acknowledge to the flagger that you have seen this flag. They need to know so they can report to Control.
  • A black flag at all flagging stations (full-course black) indicates a problem on the track. Watch your mirrors and slow down safely, pull into the pits, and wait for further instructions.
Black Flag with Orange Circle or “Meatball” Flag
  • Often used to indicate a possible mechanical problem with your car.
  • Acknowledge the flag.
  • Slow down and get off line if you’re leaking oil (oil is very dangerous on the line.)
  • Pull safely into the pits, and proceed directly to the Black Flag Station.
  • While NER does not currently use this flag, some other regions do, so pay attention in the drivers’ meeting.
Red Flag
  • Indication of a serious problem on the track.
  • Shown at all stations.
  • Session is to be halted.
  • Check mirrors, pull off line (but not off the pavement), and come to a controlled, safe stop in view of and, if possible, within earshot of the next corner worker.
  • Do not stop around the other side of a blind corner! Think!! Imagine that a driver behind you missed seeing this flag and is under power when he/she approaches where you’re stopped.
  • Look to flagging station for instruction when to come into pits.
  • When you stop you are now under the control of the flagging station in front of you. Follow their instructions. Remain in your car! (Don’t become a target for a driver behind you.)
Checkered Flag
  • End of run session.
  • Check mirrors, ease off throttle but maintain a reasonable pace, and commence cool-down lap.
  • Any variation will be explained at track.
  • ABSOLUTELY NO PASSING AFTER CHECKER!

Written by Bill Hawe. Revised 2003 by Track Committee members Arnie Zann, Bruce Hauben, and Margo Pinkerton