One of the most basic things a racer has to know is when to race and when not to race. It's a simple statement, but it's true. Going racing is determined by factors such as economics, crew help, or even simply obtaining transportation to get to the track.
Once at the track, racers are faced with other concerns like if the car is running well enough to race, however, when the car finally hits the starting grid, the ultimate authority of racing becomes the flagman.
As every racer knows, the man in the flag stand will communicate to racers via the various colored flags. Each one has a specific meaning, and depending on which one is flying, racers are signaled to stop, go, move over, or hopefully, that they have won the race.
Flag meanings are routine to most, but there are some who are going racing for the first time, and for those (and maybe as a refresher for the veterans), here are the basics.
The flagman in these pictures is Glenn Jerman of Charlotte, who flags for the Legends Racing Series. Glenn mounted the flag stand at Lowe's Motor Speedway in Charlotte to unfurl the colors for us.
Green: The go flag-when it flies, the race is on.
Black Flag: This is not the flag racers want to see. The black flag is terminal, and the racer who receives this signal must get off the track and stop.
Red Flag: Used to stop the race and applies to every car on the track. Just like a traffic signal, red means stop.
Single Cross Flag: Sort of a traffic congestion relief signal. It's an indication for racers to move over and permit a pass.
Double Cross: The double cross (or X) flag (not pictured) is an indication that the race has reached the halfway point.
White Flag: Indicates that there is only one lap left in the race. When the white flag waves, it's time to hang it all out or hang it all up.
Checkered Flag: This is the flag the race leader wants to see. It is also the flag that every racer would like to experience. It means the race is over-the leader is the winner.