SolveYourProblem Article Series: NASCAR
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Racing through a Yellow Flag - Right or Wrong?

The yellow flag is used as a signal to the drivers there is trouble on the track. It could include wrecks, wet track surface, or debris on the racetrack. The yellow flag tells the drivers to slow down and get in line behind the pace car. They may not pass another driver once the yellow flag is out. A single line forms behind the pace car and the field moves slowly around the track. The “lucky dog rule” was set up to allow the first car that is a lap down to go back to the lead lap. When the track has been cleared, the drivers form a line on the outside the track if they are on the lead lap, and on the inside of the track if they are not on the lead lap. When the green flag drops the race is on again.

There has been a controversy brewing about drivers winning under the yellow flag. Drivers are no longer allowed to race to gain a higher position while the yellow flag is flying. This was done to cut out accidents while drivers were racing to improve position. The lucky dog rule allows the first car that is a lap down to regain the lead lap. This is meant to even out the field and give drivers another chance to get back into the race. When the race is full of yellow caution flags, it can give several drivers a boost that could lead to a better place finish or even a win.

Racing in April at Talladega Superspeedway is a good example of how racing under the yellow can affect the outcome of the race. Dale Jarrett finished third after two of his competitors were allowed back on the lead lap because of the “lucky dog” rule. And in another race Jeff Gordon won the race under a yellow caution flag. Needless to say the fans were not happy with the result and it gave an anticlimactic finish to what is supposed to be an exciting sporting competition.

A gentlemen’s agreement recognized that the yellow caution begins at the start/finish line. Meanwhile, drivers continued to race for position. That was the unspoken rule until a near tragedy forced NASCAR to look the problem and make changes. Dale Jarrett lost control of his car while driving at the New Hampshire International Speedway and spun to a stop heading in the right direction. Unfortunately, DJ was on the backstretch and drivers had already passed the start finish line under the white flag signaling one more lap to race. They saw no reason to slow down and a skirmish followed on the last lap. Fortunately, Jarrett did not receive injuries but it could have been a tragedy that rivaled the loss of Dale Earnhardt the year before at Daytona.

Changing the rule to keep drivers from racing on the yellow caused some problems because of the way races were spotted. Many spotters had to agree on what they saw and every driver had to be watched to make sure they remained in racing order. This proved to be a formidable task. A technological solution implemented in 2003 proved to be the answer to the problems involved with the “freeze” of the racing field after the yellow flag is thrown out. This system detects the precise running order of the field after the yellow flag comes out. There are sensors installed in every speedway and racetrack that is in the NASCAR circuit. This includes racetracks that run Nextel Cup, Busch Series, and Craftsman Truck Series races. This technology has allowed NASCAR to enforce the yellow flag policy and ensure a safer race.

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SolveYourProblem.com : 2009

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