Road Racing Flags

Road Racing Flags : What do the Flags at Road Racing Events mean and who is responsible for displaying them? Find out here.

By TomBoyNI

Road Racing Flags :

Road Racing Flags
Road Racing Flags

If you are new to road racing/ motorsports then you may wonder how the Flags work and what they mean.

  • Flags are controlled by Flag Marshals.
  • Flag Marshals undergo official training, and must pass that training.
  • Each Course will have numerous Flag Marshals and at least a Chief Flag Marshal.
  • Each Flag Marshal will be able to see the next Flag Marshal on the Course – and will be able to feed information of them.
  • Flag Marshals watch the bikes pass them and then to the next Flag Marshal – not the approach of the bikes.
  • Flag Marshals are responsible for warning approaching riders of anything of note on the Course between them and the next Flag Marshal on the Course – in the Course Direction.
  • Flag Marshals will only give a red flag on the direction of the Clerk of the Course. The red flag will then travel backwards round the Course – because as outlined above the Flag Marshal watches the Marshal in front of him, on seeing a red flag will the put out their own red flag, the process repeats and the flag will be put up reversing around the Course – this means approaching riders get the notification.
  • Flag Marshals will generally be wearing a white coat.

Isle of Man Flags and Their Meaning :

Isle of Man Flags and Their Meaning :
Isle of Man Flags and Their Meaning :

Northern Irish & Irish Flags and Their Meanings :

The Northern Irish and Irish Flags are basically the same for road racing meetings. There are some minor differences, namely that the start of a Northern Irish Race will frequently be signified by a Union Flag and the start of an Irish National Race will be started with an Irish Tricolour.

Northern Irish and Irish Road Races also utilise a ‘White Flag.’ The ‘White Flag’ warns of a slow-moving vehicle on the track, such as a recovery vehicle, an authorised car or an Official’s Car.


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About The Author

I am a road race loving, adventure motorcyclist, with a huge bit of techie built in.  I am currently trying out a bit of photography.

Motorcycling | Technology | Photography

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