Winton: Orrcon Racing explains the flags
Orrcon Racing Explain V8 Supercar Flags In the V8 Supercar Championship the flags used on the racetrack are very important tools to communicate with drivers. At times they can be the eyes for the drivers. Orrcon Racing would like to take the ...
Orrcon Racing Explain V8 Supercar Flags
In the V8 Supercar Championship the flags used on the racetrack are very important tools to communicate with drivers. At times they can be the eyes for the drivers.
Orrcon Racing would like to take the time to explain what each of the flags on the V8 Supercar Championship mean so when you are watching the action either live at the track or on Network Ten this weekend from Winton Motor Raceway in Victoria you have a complete understanding of what is happening.
Every circuit has numerous "flag points" at locations throughout the track with the main one being on the start/finish straight. Each flag point is generally manned by three people each focusing on the racing to ensure that the correct flags are displayed to the drivers in a timely manner.
GREEN FLAG
Years ago this flag was used to start a race however this
role has been replaced by a set of starting lights. The green
flag is now used at every flag point to signal the race has
resumed after a safety car period. It is also displayed at
the flag point following the section of the track that may be
under yellow flag (or caution conditions) to indicate that
the track is now clear for racing.
NATIONAL FLAG
This flag is used to start the race if the starting lights
are not functioning. The starting signal, using the flag, is
given by lowering the flag from above the starter's head.
YELLOW FLAG
When displayed at a flag point this means the subsequent
section of the track has a problem that requires that drivers
slow down and not make any passes. Usually this is because a
car has spun or crashed and is in a dangerous position. If a
yellow flag is displayed with a white board that displays the
letters "SC" it indicates that the full circuit is under
yellow flag (or caution conditions) and the WPS Audi Safety
car will exit pit lane to pace the field at a reduced speed.
YELLOW FLAG WITH RED STRIPES
This flag is commonly referred to as the "oil flag". This
flag indicates to the drivers that there is a slippery
surface ahead and may be debris on the circuit. Generally it
is used when a car has lost oil or fluid on the circuit but
is often used when a car has recently spun and dragged stones
and kitty litter back onto the circuit.
BLACK FLAG
This flag is displayed with a corresponding car number
alongside at the flag point on the start/finish line. It is
used to signify a penalty is to be applied for various
offences with the most common being a driver exceeding the
pit speed limit of 40 kmph or being the cause of an accident.
Once a driver is shown the black flag they must undertake a penalty by driving through pit lane without exceeding 40kmph. A driver can not complete a pit stop while undertaking a black flag penalty.
BLACK FLAG WITH ORANGE CIRCLE
Commonly referred to as the "meatball" flag. It is used in
conjunction with a board displaying a car number alongside to
signify that the vehicle in question has a mechanical
problems likely to endanger himself or others and means that
he must stop at his pit on the next lap. When the mechanical
problems have been rectified to the satisfaction of the Chief
Scrutineer the car may rejoin the race.
BLACK AND WHITE FLAG DIVIDED DIAGONALLY
This flag is used as a warning flag to a driver who has been
reported for unsportsmanlike behaviour. This behaviour could
include such things as curb hopping or unnecessarily changing
lines to baulk a faster driver.
BLUE FLAG
Commonly referred to as the "passing" flag. If it is waved
at a flag point the car behind is closely following and will
possibly be looking to overtake shortly.
It is also shown to a driver that is about to be lapped and, when shown, the driver concerned must allow the following car to pass at the earliest opportunity.
RED FLAG
When a red flag is displayed during a practice or qualifying
session it signifies an immediate halt to the session due to
a car or cars stopping in a dangerous position.
Under race conditions this flag is used when the track is blocked or has become undriveable due to inclement weather conditions. All cars are required to immediately return to pit lane at a significantly reduced speed, the lap in progress is discarded and restart for the balance of the laps will resume based on the order on the previously completed. If a race has completed over 75% of the intended amount of laps the race director has the option to declare the race complete.
CHEQUERED FLAG
This black-and-white chequered flag is the most famous in
racing, signifying the end of the session or race. At the end
of a race, the first car to receive the chequered flag at the
finish line is the winner.
BLUE FLAG WITH WHITE OVAL FORD LOGO
The official flag for Ford supporters in the spectator area.
Practice for the seventh round of the V8 Supercar Championship begins today followed by a further two 35-minute sessions, qualifying and the top ten shootout tomorrow to decide the starting positions for Sunday's 100-lap race around the 3.0km circuit.
Entering this weekend Marcos Ambrose leads the Championship on 1064 points ahead of Steven Richards (1006) and Jason Bright (951). Orrcon Racing driver Jason Bargwanna is 14th on 544 points with his team mate Mark Winterbottom 17th on 517.
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