HPDE Guide - Track Flags

Always attend the driver's meeting at the beginning of the event for event rules and guidelines.

When you attend a HPDE, there are people called corner workers that are stationed around the track. They are usually at the inside of a turn wearing all white taking cover behind some kind of barricade. During your first lap, note where all the corner workers are. They all have radios and flags. The flags are used to communicate to drivers on the track.

You will need to develop the skill of keeping aware of the corner workers from your peripheral vision. The corner workers are there for you and your safety. Pay attention to them as they may be communicating something that will save you and your car from serious harm.

Green

Usually at the Start/Finish line. Passing is allowed, usually shown at the start of the second lap.

Yellow

If the corner worker has it stretched out with two hands and not waved it is a standing Yellow flag. This means no passing. Usually done for the first lap of the session. Use this lap to warm up your tires and brakes.

When it is waving, it means caution coming up ahead. Used when a car went off track up ahead. Be careful as cars tend to go off track on turns. Scan ahead for the off track vehicle and make the appropriate adjustments to your driving. Prepare to stop.

Passing

There are cars behind you that you may want to let pass. Check your mirrors and if there are a line of cars behind you, they are faster and you should let them pass you. Give a point by to the direction you want them to pass and let off the throttle a little so that they can pass you.

Debris

There is debris on the track up ahead. This is usually dirt kicked up from cars going off track in a turn. Also it could be fluids from a leak on the track. Use caution.

Black

This can be waved at you when you put four wheels off track. When this occurs, go into the hot pit to have your car checked out. Rocks can get into the tire bead and cause tire damage.

When it is rolled up and pointed at you, this means you screwed up and need to be told what you have done wrong. Proceed to the hot pit. Multiple pointed black flags could eject you from an event.

Mechanical (meatball)

Called the meatball because it looks like it on the flag. There is a problem with your car and you need to proceed to the hot pit, at a reduced speed. Your car could be leaking fluids or a part may have come loose.

Red - Emergency

Check your mirrors and slow to a stop to the inside of the track, preferably near a corner worker. No passing allowed. There was an incident and emergency personnel are required. The corner worker may instruct the drivers to drive slowly back to the pits to clear the track.

Slow Moving Vehicle

May also have a red cross on it. There is an emergency vehicle on the track. Pass with extreme caution.

Checkered

The session is over. Use the last lap to cool down your car. Drive at a reduced speed and proceed to the pits. There is no passing during the cool down lap. If you do not pit, you have "Blown the Checkered". This delays the next run group and you will be black flagged by every corner worker until you pit.