Ian. Thank you for the explanations. I think the blue flag needs some clarifications.
I don?t think the blue flag should be considered a ?move over? flag. I have heard it referred to as an informational flag, and that a driver should be aware that there are lead karts ready to pass, and to HOLD their line. Since karts don’t have mirrors and spotters on the radio like NASCAR, the blue flag is a way of letting racers know what is coming behind them. If a guy has been following you, gauging your moves, figuring where to best get around, and all of a sudden you slow and move over, that could cause problems. I definitely think it should be clarified at drivers? meetings.
This is what is says in the Rock Island Grand Prix rules……
16. Blue Flag: The blue flag will be shown to racers when they are about to be lapped by faster traffic. It may be shown at the flag stand or by one of the assistant race directors. When a racer receives the blue flag, he/she MUST acknowledge it with a hand signal, hold their racing line, and allow faster traffic to pass. Failure to do so will result in a penalty ranging from loss of position up to disqualification, at the discretion of the race director. If a driver flagrantly disregards the blue flag and fails to hold his/her line, or in the judgement of the race director becomes a problem on the track, they will be immediately black flagged. The faster, overtaking kart should make every effort to choose a racing line that will avoid lapped traffic. Failure to avoid a slower kart, which has acknowledged the blue flag and is holding its racing line, could result in a penalty assessed against the overtaking kart, up to and including disqualification at the discretion of the race director.
As to the red flag? our rule book says this?.
6.12.3 Red Flag: A red flag indicates that the race has been temporarily halted, for emergency or other reasons. A driver is to slow safely to a stop with hand raised. The drivers may be directed by officials to return slowly to the start / finish. A driver may not enter the pits and may not work on the kart unless otherwise directed by the Race Director. The race order for the restart is determined by the last fully completed and scored green flag lap.
6.12.3.1 Any driver that leaves the track by ambulance will not be allowed to restart. Any driver causing a red flag may be subject to not restarting or other penalty determined by the Race Director. If more than two karts are involved in a red flag incident, position at back of pack will be determined by last scored position in a fully completed lap.
And on the yellow?..
6.12.2 Yellow Flag: A yellow flag indicates that there is a problem on the course ahead. The driver is to proceed with caution and raise a hand to signal following drivers. A driver is not pass from the point that the yellow flag is being displayed until cleared of the incident . Passing on a yellow flag will result in lap penalties
6.12.2.1 Double Waving Yellow Flags: Signifies a full course yellow when double waving yellow flags are displayed at the start/finish line. All competitors will line up behind the leader at a constant reduced pace and follow the restart procedure.
6.12.2 2 Waving Yellow Flag: Slow down, Do Not Pass. Waving Yellow Flag on a corner means there is something on the racing surface or extreme danger to the driver or person ahead.
6.12.2.3 Standing Yellow Flag (not waving): Continue at racing speed. Minimal danger ahead requiring driver?s attention at next corner.
If there are better explanations, please let me know so that changes could be considered for next year’s rule book.
Thanks,
Angie