Just joined this e-group so may have missed some of the conversation re:
flags.
I feel very strongly that there can only ever be ONE RESPONSE to a red flag
-- bring your car to a safe, controlled stop and pull to the side of the
track. Do NOT return to pits, do not pass go, do not collect $200!
If the race stewards want all competitors to return to the pits, they MUST
use a black-flag-all signal. This can be combined with waving yellows at
all stations to slow the field down.
Track owners, race organizers, vintage clubs, stewards, and tow truck
drivers CANNOT be allowed to change this interpretation to suit their whims.
The red flag is arguably THE MOST IMPORTANT FLAG in racing. We can't have
varying interpretations, depending on which track we're at or which club is
running the event.
At the Glen, there was much confusion about this. It did not contribute to
the pile-up in the esses, but perhaps it could have prevented some part of
that accident IF there had been a red flag shown in Turn One and IF red-flag
instructions were properly given at preceeding drivers' meetings.
I hope that other drivers will join me in trying to make this clear to race
organizers, stewards, etc. Given the opportunity at your next drivers'
meeting, you may want to ask what the "red flag procedure" is, and
vigorously object if the organizers have confused red flag with
black-flag-all.
Mark Palmer
MGA #185
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