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Race Flags - Indy Racing League

After Formula One, the IRL Indy Car series has the most race flags from all open-wheel racing series worldwide. The North American championship has no less than 11 flags to make use of during a racing weekend, each signaling something different to the usual IRL driver. As compared to its European counterpart Formula One, some of the flags used in the IRL - although having the same appearance - lead to different signals. One example would be the flag signaling a driver in a slower car that he's about to be lapped by a fellow racer. Unlike most of the other racing series, the IRL driver is not forced, by the book, to slow down and let the other driver pass. That's probably why we see so many quarrels between IRL drivers (see Danica Patrick vs Milka Duno, Milka Duno vs Graham Rahal, etc), as not many are familiar with the term "fair-play racing". But anyway, to get back on the subject, the drivers have to know exactly what each of the 11 flags represent in order to avoid further complications during a racing weekends. Some of the flags might lead to penalties or even disqualification (yellow, black, back and white cross), while others might signal some hazardous conditions ahead that, if not taken into account, might lead to a lost race. But enough talk, let's have a look at what each of these flags are signaling inside the most important open-wheel racing series in the North American continent. Green Flag
The green flag signals the start of the race, qualifying session, practice session or a re-start after the race was previously interrupted. What that means is that the car can begin racing at full speed and regardless of what happens in front/rear of the field.

White Flag

It's the next best thing for an Indy Racing League leading driver, after the chequered flag. It basically means that the leader of the race has entered the last lap and has to hold on to the lead for a few more hundreds of meters. The white flag is usually waved from the starter's point on oval tracks. If a white flag is waved by a race official on a road course, it means the cars will have to slow down because there's an official car on the circuit.

Yellow Flag

Like in many other racing series, the yellow flag signals some hazardous conditions ahead of the driver who sees it. That means he is required to slow down immediately and be prepared to drive behind the safety car. Also, no overtaking is allowed during the period of time the yellow flag is waved by the race marshals.

When the IRL visits an oval track – meaning most of the times – the yellow flag is joined by yellow lights.

As mentioned before, overtaking is strictly prohibited, unless we're talking about wrecked cars. That doesn't always apply to the pit road. Once the yellow flag is waved, most of the competitors will hit the pits for refuel and tire change. When trying to reach their team's pit stand or when leaving for the track, they are allowed to pass one another. Once they've rejoined the field, overtaking becomes unacceptable.

When the marshals signal a furled yellow flag, it means the caution period is about to end in the upcoming lap.


Red Flag

Here's another flag that has the same meaning in almost every racing series worldwide. In the IRL, the red flag means the race or practice/qualifying session is immediately stopped due to unsafe conditions. The circuit officials will decide whether the ongoing conditions are compliant with the IRL safety standards and will redirect all cars to the pit lane.

The red flag could mean a temporary suspension of the race – due to a sever accident or a multi-car crash – or the race being completely over.

Yellow and Red Striped Flag

Although overtaking is not prohibited under this flag, it would be wise for the drivers to slow down and pay some extra attention to the track conditions ahead. The marshals will wave this flag stationary at every station in order to warn the drivers that oil or debris is causing temporary lack of grip on track. Oval or road course, the yellow and red striped flag will be waved for approximately 2 laps, in order for the track to be cleared.

Pit Closure Flag

Needless to mention, this flag will signal that the pit road is closed for the drivers. No car can enter the pit road for refuel or tire change as long as the race marshals will wave it at the entrance of the pit section.


Medical Flag

When being signaled the white flag with a red cross on it, all drivers have to slow down and expect a medical vehicle on the track. Overtaking under the medical flag is strictly prohibited, unless preceded by mutual consent.

Black Flag

The black flag is usually waves with a number underneath it. The driver with the appointed race number is obliged to make a visit to the pit road and wait for further instructions from the race officials.

The black flag usually means a driver has done something wrong during the race – broke a sporting rule or suspected of careless driving – and should expect some sort of penalty. It DOES NOT mean the driver will be disqualified from the race.

Black with White Cross Flag

That's trouble for the driver who is signaled this flag by the race marshals, as he will have to park in his team's garage for good, therefore being disqualified from the race. He will not be awarded any points for his run until that point.


Blue with a Yellow Stripe Flag

This flag is usually signaled to a slower driver who is about to be lapped by another car. However, unlike in other motor racing series, the driver who sees this flag is not obliged to let the trailing car pass him. He is not subject to any penalty from the race officials if he simply holds the faster car behind.

This flag may also be shown during a practice or qualifying session, meaning that a faster car is approaching. Just the same, the driver seeing the flag is not obliged to let his fellow racer pass.

Chequered Flag

Universally used, the chequered flag signals the official end of the race. The only time a race stops without this flag being waved is under red flag.
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