Are you preparing for a track day in the UK and want to ensure you understand all the important signals? Knowing the flags and their meanings is crucial for a safe and enjoyable experience on the track. Here’s everything you need to know about the flags you’ll encounter, and what to do when you see them.
Yellow Flag
Slow down and do not overtake as this flag indicates an incident ahead. This could be a car in the middle of the circuit, or off to the side, possibly having broken down, or having just spun. This means you may need to come off the racing line to avoid them. Reduce your speed to be prepared to stop quickly if necessary or to be able to take avoiding action. Once you have passed the incident, you may continue at your previous pace.
Yellow and Red Striped Flag
This denotes a change in surface or something on the track like debris. You may need to come off the racing line to maintain traction. It is recommended you reduce your speed.
We have seen this one at Cadwell whereby it was denoting a handful of pheasants on the circuit to avoid!
Green Flag
Usually used after a yellow flag to signify you are clear of the hazard. Some track days will use this flag
Blue Flag
The blue flag is there to tell you there is a faster car approaching behind you. Check your mirror, take notice of them, they may be significantly faster and come up quickly behind. Most circuits and track day organisers advise you use your indicator to “give consent” for the other driver to pass you safely. This also let’s the other driver know you have seen them. It is important you keep your line, and let the other drivers find their way safely around you. Be as predictable as possible, do not suddenly swerve out of their way, as being off the racing line might cause you to lose traction and spin. Avoid any weird or sudden braking.
Red Flag
Slow right down, cool the car down, and return to the pits in an orderly fashion. Do not pass the pitlane and do not overtake anyone. At track days this is usually because someone has broken down or crashed at a dangerous place on the circuit and needs recovery. This flag enables the service vehicles to enter the circuit safely. If you are between the pitlane entrance and exit, be midnful service vehicles might be joining the circuit at the same time, or behind you. Do not hold them up, and let them go round you safely.
Black Flag
Shown at the start/finish line, this flag signifies one of two problems. There is either a problem with you, the driver or passenger (if you have one), or your car which you might not be aware of. Use this lap as a cooling down lap, and you must immediately return to the pits. If the car feels normal, you have precisely one lap to work on a good excuse to tell the marshals as to why you did, whatever it was that you shouldn’t have done. If it is not the car, this may be waved for your driving standards, for example overtaking on the wrong side, or in the wrong place, track limits, or our personal favourite, passengers filming with handheld cameras/phones.
Checkered Flag
Shown at the start/finish line, this flag signifies the end of a track session. This will be displayed at the end of a session for an on track-action day where you have an allocated track session for a specific duration, or for open-pitlane track days to signify a break for lunch, or the end of the day.
Summary
Getting to grips with track day flags is a simple but essential part of enjoying any on-track session safely. Whether it’s a green flag calling you forward or a black one asking for a quick chat with the marshals, being aware of each signal helps you make better decisions and contributes to a smooth running day for everyone involved.
Come Drive with Us
Want to put your knowledge into practice? Doris Archer Motorsport offers track day experiences and car hire for drivers of all levels. Whether you’re bringing your own car or fancy getting behind the wheel of something track-ready, we’ll help you make the most of your day. Friendly faces, good vibes, and proper driving fun.
Find out more and get booked in — the circuit’s waiting.