What Do Orange Racing Flags Mean?

In auto racing, race marshals oversee races and use colored flags to pass messages to drivers. Each flag represents a particular action drivers must take. Orange racing flags do not exist except for those that feature orange with other colors.

  1. History

    • In the first half of the 20th century, flags were limited to those for signaling the start and end of races. As racing became more organized midcentury, race organizations began to introduce additional flags to the track.

    Types

    • No international racing circuit uses an orange flag. Formula I racing, though, uses the "meatball flag," a black flag with a large orange circle in the center, and NASCAR uses a "courtesy flag," which is a blue flag with a diagonal orange stripe.

    Significance

    • Race flags are communication devices, but drivers use radio communication to keep abreast of what's taking place.

    Function

    • The Formula I "meatball flag" indicates a driver's car has mechanical issues. Drivers must go to the pit for repairs when they see the flag. NASCAR's courtesy flag is a suggestion to drivers that they allow other drivers to pass. Drivers are free to ignore the flag.

    Benefits

    • Race flags keep fans informed and keep drivers safe, too.