NASCAR Flags have been around as long as the sport of auto racing itself. Before there were two-way radios in NASCAR race cars, the only method of communicating with drivers during the extremely loud racing action was with the use of colored flags. These large, colorful flags gain the attention of drivers and are easy to see.

Almost every auto racing series uses the same combination of flag colors. NASCAR drivers can see the status of the race by looking at the flag. Just as signal lights at a traffic intersection let drivers know what to do, flags communicate racing conditions to the Nascar drivers. The NASCAR flags are usually waved by a flagman on a platform at the start/finish line. Here is what the different colored flags mean:

Green Flag: The green flag is used to signal the beginning of the race or a race restart. Green means that the track is clear and the race cars may continue.

Yellow Flag: This Nascar flag is used to signal an accident, debris on the track, a mechanical failure or bad weather. The yellow flag means that the track is not clear. It signals drivers to slow down and hold their position. Drivers are allowed to group up behind the leader. A yellow flag during a practice race means the race cars should go to their pit stop immediately.

Red Flag: The red flag means that the track is unsafe and there is a situation that requires the immediate attention of Nascar officials. All race cars must stop. The red flag is usually waved in cases of heavy rain or an accident that requires medical assistance. A red flag can also mean that the race track is blocked by debris or a crashed car. A red flag during the closing laps of a race can also be waved to ensure the race ends under good conditions.

White Flag: The white Nascar flag means that there is one lap remaining in the race.

Checkered Flag: The familiar black and white checkered flag means the race is complete.