What do the Different Colored Flags in NASCAR Mean?

Every motorsport has a flag system that the drivers have to obey. Most of it remains the same across all disciplines, and NASCAR is no different. Just like with every other motorsport, all of the flags’ meanings are universal. However, it is worth mentioning that some of the terminologies are different in NASCAR.

There is also an interesting question about how many flags are used in NASCAR? The short answer is that there are seven flags that are primarily used. For obvious reasons, the red flag signifies that the race has been stopped. Meanwhile, with regard to what flag means go in Nascar, it is the green flag.

Then, there are the yellow flags, where drivers are required to slow down. In NASCAR, they are primarily known as caution flags and, unlike other motorsports events, they come out at specific intervals. Just like other motorsports, the flags are waved when there is an accident or a hazard on the track. However, NASCAR sometimes throws cautions at specific intervals.

What else do the NASCAR flags signify?

One of the rarest flags is the black flag, which is normally pulled to disqualify a driver. This happens when a driver races very erratically and accumulates too many penalties. Another scenario is when the driver’s car is too badly damaged and could be a hazard to other competitors.

Next on the hit list is the blue flag. Now, most drivers do not have to worry about seeing this flag. This is because it mostly caters to backmarkers who are about to be put a lap down by the race leader/s. The penultimate important flag is the white flag, which is mostly seen in NASCAR. This particular flag usually indicates that there is one lap remaining before the finish. Finally, the black and white chequered flag brings a race or a session to a close.

READ MORE: Are NASCAR Drivers Required to Have a Driver’s License?