Racetrack flags and their meaning

[FROSTY]

Below is a list of flags used in NZ road bike racing and their meanings
ANYONE involved should be aware of these flags and their meaning.
<TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=4 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD class=alt2 style="BORDER-RIGHT: 1px inset; BORDER-TOP: 1px inset; BORDER-LEFT: 1px inset; BORDER-BOTTOM: 1px inset">6-19 The following flags will be recognised as the standard colours to be used as signals to riders during a race:

Green: Start

Red: All riders stop racing.

Yellow: Held Stationary – SLOW DOWN – Proceed with caution. No overtaking until danger area is passed. Sidecar riders-this could also mean your passenger is in difficulties.

Yellow: Waved – SLOW DOWN NOW – Proceed with extreme caution. No overtaking until the danger area is passed, be prepared to stop.

White: Last lap.

Black: Individual rider to stop and retire from course. The rider’s number must be shown on a board at the same point as the black flag is displayed.

Black and White Check: Finish for all riders.

Red and Yellow Stripes: Oil on course.

Red and White Cross: Ambulance on course, proceed with caution.

Black with Orange Centre: Road Race Only: Machine to be removed from the circuit immediately. The rider’s number must be shown on a board at the same point as the flag is displayed. Flags must be a minimum size of 24” x 24” (600mm x 600mm).

Blue Waved Road Racing: Overtaking signal warning rider is about to be overtaken.

Blue Held Stationary Road Racing: Indicates that competitor is soon to be overtaken. </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

[Shaun]

O but I am colour blind! Now where is the test for that side of getting a license for racing

O dear, another can of worms opened for people to type about ha ha , good luck

[scrivy]

Flags must be a minimum size of 24” x 24” (600mm x 600mm).[/U][/I]


Just stirring like Shaun was Frosty..... so the flag size is specific, but what about the size of the written number???? If a munter was to write it on a white board with a marker in little writing, that number would be unreadable to a racer at 200 kph. What size/colour does the number have to be?? Again as Shaun stated, what if you're colour blind?? Also, what is the requirement to actually having 20/20 vision to obtain your licence?? Nil!

This sounds so easy in theory - but will not alleviate all of the shite that happens when certain peoples brains are maxed out whilst racing!

IQ tests sound better to me !! :clap::rolleyes:

[FROSTY]

Just stirring like Shaun was Frosty..... so the flag size is specific, but what about the size of the written number???? If a munter was to write it on a white board with a marker in little writing,
This sounds so easy in theory - but will not alleviate all of the shite that happens when certain peoples brains are maxed out whilst racing!
I'm taking the aproach that education is needed NOW. Shoulda/woulda/coulda well thats all great but theres an opertunity for rider education offered now. As I said rather than being ambo at bottom of cliff --or worse the ambulance chasers shaking their heads saying--ohh he shoulda known that jumping would hurt Maybee we can be the guy top of cliff stoppin em .

Ohh and yea Theres a size rule for the numbers but Ive misplaced my rulebook and navigating the MNZ site is hard yakka

[sidecar bob]

I'm taking the aproach that education is needed NOW. rather than being ambo at bottom of cliff --or worse the ambulance chasers shaking their heads saying--ohh

Or worse still, an Ambulance crossing the track during a 600 race.
Yep education is definitely needed, & not just for riders.

[vifferman]

What about the flag with the cartoonised picture of a shark on it? :confused:

[scrivy]

Ohh and yea Theres a size rule for the numbers but Ive misplaced my rulebook and navigating the MNZ site is hard yakka

Buggered if I can find the size/colour requirement for the numbers.

[MSTRS]

Buggered if I can find the size/colour requirement for the numbers.

Which would suggest that Skunk's idea of a complete rehash of the rule book is needed. http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showpost.php?p=1129452732&postcount=234
If things are hard to find, they must in the wrong place. Or the compiler's logic was on another planet.

[nigela]

Red and Yellow Stripes: Oil on course.


Red and yellow Stripes also cover debris on the track or, in the case of Manfeild, ducks on the track

[Kickaha]

Buggered if I can find the size/colour requirement for the numbers.

You need glasses old boy?

10-2-3 ROAD RACING (all classes) except the following classes in Appendix A, B, C and F – see class rules

Size: Minimum width 285mm, minimum height 235mm, oval or rectangular in shape.
Placement: 3 number boards to be affixed or placed upon the motorcycle, in colours required for the class as follows:
Front: Facing forwards, with not more than 30 degrees forwards from vertical.
Sides: One either side of the motorcycle in a position clearly visible when the rider (and passenger for sidecars) is seated in their usual riding position.
In a place on separate boards, a space of equivalent size and shape can be on the bodywork or streamlining.

Figures: Must be clearly legible in the required colour for class, the following minimum dimensions:

Height of Figure 140mm Space between figures 15mm
Width of Figure 80mm Width of Stroke 25mm
A plain form of figure shall be used with no scrolls or pinstripe.
Colour: In the required colour for the class and of a matt finish to reduce reflection.
125cc & 150 S/S White background, black figures
Formula 3 Black background, white figures
250GP Yellow Background, black figures
600 Sports Production Yellow background, black figures
Production Superbike White background, black figures
Sidecars – Formula One White background, black figures
Sidecars – Formula Two Yellow background, black figures

Miniature Road Racing:
Up to 50cc White background, black figures
Open Black background, white figures

Sidecars Black background, white figures

Classic and Post Classic:
Up to 250cc Dark Green background,white figures
Up to 350cc Blue background, white figures
Up to 500cc Yellow background, black figures
Open Red background, white figures

Only FIM Licence holders will be permitted to use letters.
All other markings or number plates on the motorcycle likely to cause confusion must be removed or covered over

[MSTRS]

You need glasses old boy?



I think he means the numbers on the pit board/s to go with black flags?

[Kickaha]

I think he means the numbers on the pit board/s to go with black flags?

I didn't see his top post

I'm sure he'll be along to penalise me for it shortly

[scrivy]

You need glasses old boy?

10-2-3 ROAD RACING (all classes) except the following classes in Appendix A, B, C and F – see class rules

Size: Minimum width 285mm, minimum height 235mm, oval or rectangular in shape.
Placement: 3 number boards to be affixed or placed upon the motorcycle, in colours required for the class as follows:
Front: Facing forwards, with not more than 30 degrees forwards from vertical.
Sides: One either side of the motorcycle in a position clearly visible when the rider (and passenger for sidecars) is seated in their usual riding position.
In a place on separate boards, a space of equivalent size and shape can be on the bodywork or streamlining.

Figures: Must be clearly legible in the required colour for class, the following minimum dimensions:

Height of Figure 140mm Space between figures 15mm
Width of Figure 80mm Width of Stroke 25mm
A plain form of figure shall be used with no scrolls or pinstripe.
Colour: In the required colour for the class and of a matt finish to reduce reflection.
125cc & 150 S/S White background, black figures
Formula 3 Black background, white figures
250GP Yellow Background, black figures
600 Sports Production Yellow background, black figures
Production Superbike White background, black figures
Sidecars – Formula One White background, black figures
Sidecars – Formula Two Yellow background, black figures

Miniature Road Racing:
Up to 50cc White background, black figures
Open Black background, white figures

Sidecars Black background, white figures

Classic and Post Classic:
Up to 250cc Dark Green background,white figures
Up to 350cc Blue background, white figures
Up to 500cc Yellow background, black figures
Open Red background, white figures

Only FIM Licence holders will be permitted to use letters.
All other markings or number plates on the motorcycle likely to cause confusion must be removed or covered over

Kick, you are taking the piss I hope!!??? :(
Thats for race numbers for machines - not for black flag number boards!!! (Now, what was I saying about munters.....) :clap:

I sincerely hope that you can colour in as big and as wide a number that is required by that logic, in the time taken from receiving a radio call at your post to the time it takes to display it to the rider before he passes your post!! NOT!!

Oh, and also going by that logic..... should we use the correct colour for their class too??? WTF???!!! Oh oh ... also matt finish only??
As I say again - what size and colour for the BLACK FLAG NUMBER??

[Kickaha]

IQ tests sound better to me !! :clap::rolleyes:

You'd be fucked then, maybe a pornstar test, you'd pass that




As I say again - what size and colour for the BLACK FLAG NUMBER??

As a minimum it should be as for the number boards

But bigger would be better

[scrivy]

I didn't see his top post

I'm sure he'll be along to penalise me for it shortly

Damn straight ya munter funker!!!!! :rolleyes: Oh, and all my posts are top mate!!



You'd be fucked then, maybe a pornstar test, you'd pass that

Nah, IQ test I'll be fine, pornstar, now that's Bobs domain.....
:lol::2thumbsup

[MSTRS]

I sincerely hope that you can colour in as big and as wide a number that is required by that logic, in the time taken from receiving a radio call at your post to the time it takes to display it to the rider before he passes your post!! NOT!!



Which is probably why it'll never happen at marshal points, only S/F line.

[Skunk]

Which is probably why it'll never happen at marshal points, only S/F line.
It's pretty hard to read the numbers on (most) bikes these days as they aren't done to the rules. So spotting the bike you want to Black flag is hard enough. Getting the numbers ready is the next issue.

[MSTRS]

Be small fields if bikes had to go back to the old-style number boards.
<img src=http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_nV5Eb4AKriI/SWaMlyZkBaI/AAAAAAAABHo/NfbXeK-d2PA/s400/41.JPG>
They are easy to see though.

[Kickaha]

It's pretty hard to read the numbers on (most) bikes these days as they aren't done to the rules. So spotting the bike you want to Black flag is hard enough. Getting the numbers ready is the next issue.

Something I remember Neil Ritchie complaining about at a MNZ AGM, why aren't the rules regarding size enforced?

Is it just because of transponder usage?

[scrivy]

As a minimum it should be as for the number boards

But bigger would be better

How you gunna colour that in in time dude??
Oh I forgot Kick - you're a sidecar passenger - you always carry a box of crayons with you!!!! :clap::killingme:rofl:

PMSL!!! :banana:

[Skunk]

Something I remember Neil Ritchie complaining about at a MNZ AGM, why aren't the rules regarding size enforced?

Is it just because of transponder usage?
That's the reason I hear. But if there is no number how can we Black flag a bike? Or any other flag? Follow the rule book would be the answer I guess. :lol:

[Kickaha]

How you gunna colour that in in time dude??
Oh I forgot Kick - you're a sidecar passenger - you always carry a box of crayons with you!!!! :clap::killingme:rofl:

PMSL!!! :banana:

I'd have plenty of time to do it if I was racing with you because you're so damn slow

Oh fuck you're so funny :finger:

A proper pit board with flip over number thingys, or a board with magnetic numbers, heaps of ways around it

[MSTRS]

End of last year's Vic series, I did a full set of numbers for Grubb (RIP) to use at the S/F line. 3 of every # 0-9. They were stuck onto card that slotted into channels on the pit board. Just imagine the logistics of trying to issue and keep track of that for every flag point?

[Kickaha]

Just imagine the logistics of trying to issue and keep track of that for every flag point?

So only do it at 1/2 the flag points then?

[MSTRS]

That's the reason I hear. But if there is no number how can we Black flag a bike? Or any other flag? Follow the rule book would be the answer I guess. :lol:

But if it's not in the rule book?

[Kickaha]

But if it's not in the rule book?

Make a supplementary regulation to cover it

[FROSTY]

Which is probably why it'll never happen at marshal points, only S/F line.
There is a size requirement which suggests to me that those really big black felt pens would be needed OR a really nice kind sighnwrighter could make up 6 sets of 3 numbers 1-0 -30 numbers per marshal point. Ive seen em used elsewhere-its a simple flip board -3 numbers wide white background black numbers and you flip to the number needed.
Ie-the board is initially a blank 500mm wide by 300mm high sheet with 3 stacks of numbers hung on the back so you just flip over to the number needed.
the thing is it needs to be quickly used and useable in all conditions.
Actually mstrs once again money where mouth is YOU make em I will pay for em. PROVIDED they are available for all clubs to use -

[scrivy]

I'd have plenty of time to do it if I was racing with you because you're so damn slow

Oh fuck you're so funny :finger:

A proper pit board with flip over number thingys, or a board with magnetic numbers, heaps of ways around it

er... if you're racing with me and I'm slow, then dude, that makes you slow too!!!! :rolleyes: :banana:

Flip over number thingies - what colour??????

Oh I love going around in circles with you Kick!! That's why I enjoy racing with you!!:2thumbsup

[MSTRS]

Make a supplementary regulation to cover it

OK.
I move that we use the red flag, with obvious pointing, hand sign instructions and general gesticulating to single out a bike that needs to be off the track.
It should have worked, except it wasn't in the rule book.

[FROSTY]

But if it's not in the rule book?
It is in the rule book.
The issue with the rule "book" IMO is that MNZ seem to have stopped giving out the actual BOOKS (unless you specifically request them) and refer you to their website.
I'm finding the website pretty hard to actually navigate.

[MSTRS]

There is a size requirement which suggests to me that those really big black felt pens would be needed - I doubt that any of those pens would write a line that was thick enough to be seen at a distance and at speed...

OR a really nice kind sighnwrighter could make up 6 sets of 3 numbers 1-0 -30 numbers per marshal point. Ive seen em used elsewhere-its a simple flip board -3 numbers wide white background black numbers and you flip to the number needed.
Ie-the board is initially a blank 500mm wide by 300mm high sheet with 3 stacks of numbers hung on the back so you just flip over to the number needed.
the thing is it needs to be quickly used and useable in all conditions.
Actually mstrs once again money where mouth is YOU make em I will pay for em. PROVIDED they are available for all clubs to use -

But this is different...I see where you are going with that. It could work. And I'd be very happy to do a deal....

[Skunk]

End of last year's Vic series, I did a full set of numbers for Grubb (RIP) to use at the S/F line. 3 of every # 0-9. They were stuck onto card that slotted into channels on the pit board. Just imagine the logistics of trying to issue and keep track of that for every flag point?Yep, we still use them when we can...


But if it's not in the rule book?I was meaning that requirement for numbers on the bike. No-one seems to follow those rules.

[FROSTY]

er... if you're racing with me and I'm slow, then dude, that makes you slow too!!!! :rolleyes: :banana:

Flip over number thingies - what colour??????

Oh I love going around in circles with you Kick!! That's why I enjoy racing with you!!:2thumbsup
sUPLIMENTARY REGULATION 6.8.23.B ALL SIDECAR SWINGERS TO HAVE COMPUSARY UPPER ARM MUSCLE AND EYESIGHT TESTING
crikey thats a new one

[scrivy]

I've said it before, at the end of the day, too much information for riders to remember will only make them apathetic or choose not to remember the rules.

A simple yellow flag waved already means to riders of sidecars to also check your passengers.
Why not add one freaking line to the rule: Upon seeing a waved yellow flag, slow down, proceed with extreme caution and check your machine - as you may be the reason for the waved yellow flag!! If you are leaking fluids, pull over to a safe place immediately!

Why are some people so hell bent on making every club spend more money on equipment that I believe will not help the situation, even if there is a major shakeup of the rules for all, from grass roots, to top level. You will also still get munters riding around the full circuit discharging fluids etc. Yellow flags are at all posts now. Everyone looks at them now. Just add an extra line to the rule, and hey presto, the leaky bike syndrome around the circuit should disappear!!

[FROSTY]

Yep, we still use them when we can...

I was meaning that requirement for numbers on the bike. No-one seems to follow those rules.
Thats something different again. You are 100% correct re numbers on bikes. This is just ANOTHER twist on matters. The argument was of course that the numbers arent needed so much as their primary purpose was for lap scoreng.(now scoring done by transponders) Its also so marshals can read the number and--go figure wave the guy off the track.
But that then opens yet ANOTHER can o worms -- Teck inspection.
Clubs are not doing the tech inspection (scrutineering) where this should be picked up.

Hey Im not saying be total hitlers about it but theres a reason for the numbers being of a set size -so they can be read
Also are clubs running a seperate riders brief for novice riders after the main briefing?-making sure they know whats going on and flags etc.

[scrivy]

I'll add a supplementary rule in for my meeting regarding the waved yellow if I have to. I will not use a red flag, as this will cause unnecessary carnage (you know it will) and just add to a decreased time on the track for everyone with restarts etc.
Even on here we can't decide about sizes and colours for the black flag number board. So why not just use a waved yellow with more meanings?

[scrivy]

Also are clubs running a seperate riders brief for novice riders after the main briefing?

What about riders who haven't been on the track for over 10 years? They too need to come up to speed.

Our free to all licencing system is severely flawed - we all know it!!

Unfortunately, it will not change in the near future.

[FROSTY]

I've said it before, at the end of the day, too much information for riders to remember will only make them apathetic or choose not to remember the rules.
Why are some people so hell bent on making every club spend more money on equipment that I believe will not help the situation, even if there is a major shakeup of the rules for all, from grass roots, to top level. You will also still get munters riding around the full circuit discharging fluids etc.
Ive said it before--if my 6 year old can understand the meaning of most of the flags CURRENTLY AVAILABLE then if you don't have that much brains ya shouldn't be on the track.
aND INSISTING CLUBS BUY EQUIPMENT--ITS EQUIPMENT THEY ARE ALREADY SOPOSED TO HAVE

[scrivy]

Ive said it before--if my 6 year old can understand the meaning of most of the flags CURRENTLY AVAILABLE then if you don't have that much brains ya shouldn't be on the track.
aND INSISTING CLUBS BUY EQUIPMENT--ITS EQUIPMENT THEY ARE ALREADY SOPOSED TO HAVE

You are dead right Frosty. Clubs should have a black flag. But only 1 is needed at the start/finish, not at all posts.

As for knowing their meanings, hell, even at the last 2 meetings I've been to, the stewards told everyone at riders briefing what the flags mean!! Why the heck should he have to do that????? I mean really, you MUST KNOW THEM for your bloody licence!!

If it wasn't so important, it would be laughable!!
Maybe they should bring in severe fines for idiots that break the simple rules?

I think we are all at fault for allowing people to race if they do not know/abide by the rules.
Really, do you think Rossi, Haga, Spies etc fail to know the rules? I doubt it.

[FROSTY]

What about riders who haven't been on the track for over 10 years? They too need to come up to speed.
Our free to all licencing system is severely flawed - we all know it!!
Speaking for myself I concidered myself a newbee racer last time I got back into it.

[scrivy]

Speaking for myself I concidered myself a newbee racer last time I got back into it.

I left the sport for 4 years, got back into it, and read the rulebook from front to back just incase there were any changes!

[FROSTY]

I left the sport for 4 years, got back into it, and read the rulebook from front to back just incase there were any changes!
yep well you n I are old school. I GENUINENLY feel that its just that the new generation riders and club officials diddn't realise/havent been educated.
But ya know if you ignore all the machine spec stuff thats cluttered up the rule book its not that complicated.