Track Communication

During Supersprints there are two main forms of track communication that a driver needs to be aware of.

The first are the Flag Signals that are displayed at various points around the track. These signals must be obeyed otherwise the driver will risk facing disciplinary action. Learn these signals before you take to the track as they are important for your safety as well as that of others.

This first set of flags can be displayed from time to time from all flag points around the circuit:

	BLUE Overtaking Signal There is a car behind you
	WHITE Slow Moving Vehicle on the Track There is a slow car (eg returning to the pits) or service vehicle ahead
	YELLOW Danger Ahead Single Waved: Hazard beside or partly on the track Apply caution, reduce speed, do not overtake and be prepared to avoid something Double Waved: Hazard wholly or partly blocking the track Apply caution, greatly reduce speed, do not overtake and be prepared to change direction or stop
	YELLOW & RED STRIPES (Shown Motionless) Reduced Adhesion Oil, water, dirt etc on the track in the sector beyond the flag. This flag will only be shown for a maximum of 4 laps during which time it is up to the driver to remember the hazard
	RED Stop the session Cease competition immediately. Return to pits slowly and be prepared to stop. Do not overtake.
	GREEN All clear ahead You may resume competition

There are several flags that are only shown at the Start/Finish Line or at another special point (eg Point 9.3 at Eastern Creek Raceway) and are only used under the instructions of the Stewards / Clerk of the Course or his deputy.

The black flag and the "meatball" flags are specific to an individual driver and a board showing that drivers race number is displayed along with that flag. The driver should acknowledge to the flag point that they have seen the flag and proceed immediately to the pits. Disobeying one of these flags can lead to serious disciplinary action being taken against the driver.

	BLACK with ORANGE DISC (The"Meatball" Flag) You may have mechanical problems Your car appears to have mechanical problems likely to endanger yourself or others. Return to your pit immediately
	BLACK Go to your pit Return to pits slowly and off the race line to discuss your driving with officials
	BLACK & WHITE CHEQUERED The event is completed Cease racing after crossing the finish line where the flag is displayed. Proceed by following the track to the pit area as directed by officials

Source of images: 2009 Manual of CAMS Motor Sport and reproduced under CAMS copyright Conditions of Use item 2.

Sometimes a driver might find themselves off the track and unable to let officials know what assistance, if any, is required. This is where the use of hand signals becomes important.

During a race session the track is "closed". That means that personnel are not allowed to go on the track without strict procedures being followed, and therefore it can mean a delay before anyone is able to come close enough to a driver for verbal communciation.

Once a driver has left the track driving surface and is unable to drive back on it again, the driver should park their vehicle in the safest possible position and then immediately leave the vehicle and make their way to safety behind the closest concrete barrier or tyre wall.

Once in a safe position the driver should communicate to the closest track official by hand signals what type of assistance they will need. The hand signals below are those used on the track where verbal or radio communications are not available. It is highly recommended that you become familiar with these signals:

  

	MEDICAL ATTENTION REQUIRED  Crossed arms overhead
	FIRE TENDER REQUIRED  Arms form an "F"
	RESCUE EQUIPMENT REQUIRED  Arms form a "W"
	I NEED ASSISTANCE Patting top of head
	CAR REQUIRES A FLAT TOW Arms form a "T"
	CAR REQUIRES A LIFT TOW Arms form a "T" then lifted
	IS IT SAFE TO CROSS THE TRACK? Signal: Arm vertical - MAY I CROSS? Response: Arm vertical - WAIT, NOT ASAFE Response: Arm dropped - CROSS NOW
	FLUID IS ON THE TRACK Acting out spreading cement
	DRIVER OK / SITUATION UNDER CONTROL Thumbs up

Source of images: Thanks to the Southern Sporting Car Club "Safety Briefing Notes".