Flags


Green signals the beginning or resumption of competition. This flag is used at the beginning of the race or after a caution period to tell the drivers that the track is clear and they should begin racing for position.

A yellow flag means that there is a hazard on the race track and that the drivers should slow down and stay behind the pace car. This flag typically is displayed when there has been an accident. However it can come out for other reasons such as, light rain, debris, an emergency vehicle needing to cross the track, a NASCAR tire check or even if an animal has wandered out onto the track.

During a yellow flag situation it is absolutely forbidden to pass the pace car unless specifically told to by NASCAR (such as the "Lucky Dog"). Doing so will result in a penalty.

At most tracks, except road races, the yellow flag period will last a minimum of three laps. This to allow adequate time for all drivers to pit and catch back up to the pace car for the restart.
A white flag means that there is one more lap to go in the race. This flag is displayed exactly once per race.
It's over, the race has been completed. If you are the first one to receive the checkered flag then you have won the race.