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The officials who oversee a NASCAR race do so with the help of a series of different colored flags that each possesses its own meaning. From an elevated vantage point where all drivers can see them, the officials utilize these flags to convey messages to the field and to individual drivers.
Start and Stop
The green flag starts the race or restarts the race after a caution period has elapsed. The checkered black and white flag indicates that the race is over; the winner crossed the finish line.
Caution and Stoppage
The yellow flag specifies that the field must drive carefully and slow down. It is typically employed when an accident occurs on the track that officials need to deal with. A red flag brings the entire race to an immediate stop, such as in instances when it begins to rain.
Move Over
The blue flag with an orange diagonal stripe signals drivers who are not in the lead lap to move over and allow faster drivers in contention to pass them.
To the Pits
Drivers who have car problems or who have broken rules such as passing incorrectly during a caution period will see a black flag and their car number on the electronic board near the official's tower. Black means they must immediately go into the pit area.
Last Lap
The white flag means that the leader of the race has commenced on the last lap.
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