Although the drivers that you will see in competition today may appear to be the most haphazard and devil-may-care competitors in the world of sports, their actions while on the track, either in practice or competition, are very strictly covered by the racing flag code, and the penalty for disobeying these flags is disqualification.  Although the meanings of the various-colored flags are well known to most racing fans, let's review them as you will see them used by the starter.  Imagine yourself the passenger in one of the competing cars as the driver explains the meanings of various flags:

THE GREEN FLAG   Here we go again.  This is the starting gun, the opening whistle..the race is on!  The green flag tells us that the race is officially started, and during the long events, keeps us informed that the track is clear ahead..hang on! Here comes the first turn!

THE RED FLAG   As always, this is the danger flag.  Just like the red in a stop sign, it means STOP..and right now!  There may have been a bad spill...perhaps someone has been hurt, or the track is completely blocked..when we see this one, we get stopped as quickly as we can.  The race may be restarted, but let's find out what happen first.

THE CROSSED FLAGS   Half way! Crossed flags tell us that the race is half over.  It makes no difference which ones the starter uses.  He holds the cloth of the flags along the hangle so we don't confuse his meaning..if it's a hundred miler, this signal means that there are only fifty miles to go..can't back off yet!.\

THE BLACK FLAG   This is the "consultation flag", telling me to pull into the pits on the next lap..it is often called the disqualification flag, but it doesn't necessarily mean that I have  done something wrong.  Black with a white stripe..no long being scored!

THE BLUE FLAG WITH THE DIAGONAL STRIPE   This is the "passing flag".  It indicates that a faster car is about to lap me..he has already passed me and he now has a complete lap on me.  This flag tells me to "hold my grove", or position on the track until I am passed.  There he goes..but I'm not worried..he may not last long at that pace.

THE WHITE FLAG   This one means simply "one more lap"...we've been a little too busy to count them, and this lets me know that we are starting on that last long lap.  We're always glad to see this one, but the one we really wait for it:

THE YELLOW FLAG   This is the "caution flag".  It tells me to slow down; to hold our position until the green flag is thrown again.  The yellow flag indicates that there has been an accident on the track, or that the track has been partially blocked by a stalled car, thrown wheel, or other object.  The yellow flag will remain out until the  officials have determined that no one is injured seriously or that the track is not completely blocked.  If there is a "safety car", we must remain in line behind it until either the red or green flag is displayed.

THE CHECKERED FLAG This is the big one, the one we've been waiting for..it means it's all over but the  shouting.  We all want to get under this one first, but of course we can't all do it.  We keep trying, though, and I guess that's why you keep coming back.  Thanks for the ride!  Don't mention it..come again.  And remember, when you drive your own car, although there are no flag signals, keep you eye on those traffic signs and obey them..they're the "flag signals of the highways".