Green-white-checker finish
Encyclopedia
The green-white-checker finish is a rule implemented into many levels of automobile racing in the United States. When the race would otherwise end during a yellow-flag caution condition (during which no competition may take place, including no passing), this rule gives the field an attempt to finish the race under a green-flag, racing condition. Instead of ending the race when the stated distance has been covered, it continues until the green flag is given (signalling the end of the caution condition), at which time the drivers resume the race with two laps remaining, regardless of the actual number of laps covered to that point. They then get the white flag, signaling the final lap, and then take the checkered flag, signaling the end of the race.
Depending on the series' sanctioning body, there may be a number of possible variants cited in the application of this rule.
In 2007, Fox
began referring to the green-white-checkered finish as "Overdrive", an allusion to the term overtime
used in many timed sports.
Re/Max Series, there is a two-stage version of the rule. The rules are arranged such that the checkered flag must wave under green flag conditions.
Such a format allows an unlimited number of attempts at a green flag finish. During the event at Gateway International Raceway
on July 28, 2006, 22 laps (27.5 miles) were added to the 120-lap (150-mile) scheduled distance.
This version, or a similar variant with no green/white rule, is used in most short tracks.
for a Camping World West race.
in Arizona.
When the green flag is waved on the restart, there are two laps remaining in the race. If the yellow flag comes out at any time during the restart, each subsequent restart will be a two-lap restart. (From 1995 until mid-1998, racing back to the caution
was prohibited in the series.)
However, if on the restart, there will be just one scheduled lap remaining, there is a green and white flag restart for the lap. That rule was implemented a few times.
In the middle of the 1998 season, however, a rule change by NASCAR affected the rule; if the yellow flag comes out during the final lap of the race, the trucks would race to the finish. (In the middle of the 1998 season, as NASCAR eliminated the two-segment races, NASCAR permitted the trucks to race to the caution.) That rule was eliminated in September 2003 as a result of the ban on racing back to the caution.
In a July 2004 race at Gateway International Raceway
, multiple green-white-checkered restarts resulted in a 160-lap race going 14 additional laps. After that race, the rule was changed to standardise the rule with NASCAR's other national series, which also adopted the rule.
At the 2002 Pepsi 400, a late-race caution came out, and participants and spectators expected a red flag. NASCAR chose not to halt the race, citing too few laps remaining, and fans pelted the circuit with cans and other debris as it finished under yellow. The decision not to go back to green was based on two similar situations at restrictor plate tracks. In the 1993
Winston 500
, the field went back to green with two laps to go. Through the dogleg towards the finish line, the tightly-bunched field led to a violent crash by Rusty Wallace, who was hospitalized. In the 1997
Pepsi 400
, a restart with one lap to go caused a multi-car crash, which injured Mark Martin
.
For 2003 and 2004, the red flag rules were clarified somewhat to standardise the use, with a specific lap, usually five laps remaining, being the lap designated as the "last red flag lap." Television would mention such a lap during the race specifics on broadcasts. In late 2003, NASCAR, in an unrelated move, added the Beneficiary Rule
and prohibited drivers from racing back to the start/finish line
when yellow flags were displayed after Casey Mears
, attempting to gain a lap back, nearly ran into a stopped Dale Jarrett
in such an instance. The field was frozen at the onset of the yellow based on the last timing interval. The unforeseen combination of the two new rules created unexpected problems.
A controversial finish to the 2004
Nextel Cup Aaron's 499
occurred as Jeff Gordon
and Dale Earnhardt, Jr.
were racing for the lead with five laps remaining. The field was working Lap 184 of 188, beyond the point of when a red flag could halt the race (the last red flag lap was 184). As Earnhardt, Jr. was passing Gordon for the lead, Brian Vickers
spun in turn three. When the caution was displayed, freezing the field, it was determined that Gordon's car was just ahead of Earnhardt's, and Gordon was scored as the leader, and thus, the winner. On the final lap, some angry fans again threw debris (seat cushions, alcoholic beverage bottles) on the track at Gordon, which angered many observers, including Fox
commentators Chris Myers
and Jeff Hammond.
In the wake of the controversies, in mid-July 2004, all three touring series, adopted a new, revised green-white-checkered rule. The revised format handles late-race cautions in a standardized manner.
There is a notable exception to this rule. If there is an incident during the final lap behind the leaders, and the run to the finish line is clear for the leaders, NASCAR may delay the caution until the checkered flag is shown, allowing the leaders to race for the win. In such cases track safety workers may arrive at the scene of the incident. This exception was used during the 2007 Daytona 500
.
When it is determined that the track is clear for racing, the green flag is shown, indicating the restart. As the leader completes the first lap, the white flag is shown, signaling the final lap. As the leader completes the second lap, the checkered flag is shown, signaling the conclusion of the race.
If the caution flag is shown during the first of the two laps, the field is frozen as it would be during a regular race caution, and a second green-white-checker attempt will be made, up to a maximum of three attempts. If the caution flag after the white flag is shown during the first two attempts, or during the third attempt at any time, the race is over. The field is frozen at the moment of the yellow flag, and the scoring is official as cars cross the finish line.
In the event of a race ending due to caution, video evidence is used in addition to scoring loops to determine the official order of finish.
A green-white-checkered finish will extend the race beyond its advertised distance, and competitors were not allowed to pit for fuel without losing positions. Teams are responsible for considering the extended distance in their fuel strategies. However, if the cleanup is expected to take considerable time, NASCAR may red flag the race with the cars on the track, so that cars don't consume all their fuel under caution.
is called, the race will be extended by three laps.
For example, in an 18-lap race, the caution is waved on the 14th lap (two-thirds is 12 laps). The caution period lasts three laps, with the safety car coming in at the end of the 16th lap, effectively calling the restart on Lap 17. which would be two laps remaining. However, British Superbike rules state once two-thirds of the race distance is passed, the first three laps of a caution "do not count as race laps," thereby implementing a green-white-checkered style rule where the three laps are added to the scheduled race distance, thereby making the race a total of 21 laps.
Depending on the series' sanctioning body, there may be a number of possible variants cited in the application of this rule.
In 2007, Fox
NASCAR on Fox
NASCAR on Fox is the Emmy-winning branding used for Fox Sports's broadcasts of NASCAR races airing on the Fox network since 2001. The production has been in high-definition since 2005.-Background:...
began referring to the green-white-checkered finish as "Overdrive", an allusion to the term overtime
Overtime (sports)
Overtime or extra time is an additional period of play specified under the rules of a sport to bring a game to a decision and avoid declaring the match a tie or draw. In most sports, this extra period is only played if the game is required to have a clear winner, as in single-elimination...
used in many timed sports.
ARCA
In the ARCAAutomobile Racing Club of America
Automobile Racing Club of America is an auto racing sanctioning body in the United States, founded in 1953 by John Marcum. The current president of ARCA is Ron Drager. The ARCA RE/MAX Series races stock cars similar to those seen in past years in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series, and indeed most cars...
Re/Max Series, there is a two-stage version of the rule. The rules are arranged such that the checkered flag must wave under green flag conditions.
- If the final scheduled lap of the race is under caution, when the green flag is waved for the restart attempt, there are two laps remaining in the race. If a caution comes out at any time during the first of the two laps, each subsequent restart will be a two-lap restart.
- If the furled yellow flag with a downwards-pointed finger (one lap before restart in single file formation) is given with two laps remaining in the race, and the restart is on the final scheduled lap, the green and white flag will be waved together and the race will have only one lap remaining.
- If a caution comes out during the final lap (after the white flag has been displayed), the race returns to yellow immediately. On the ensuing restart, a green and white flag are waved to signal one lap is remaining in the race. Should a yellow flag wave before the leader crosses the finish line, the race will continue under yellow until the restart, which again is one lap.
Such a format allows an unlimited number of attempts at a green flag finish. During the event at Gateway International Raceway
Gateway International Raceway
Gateway Motorsports Park is a race track in Madison, Illinois, USA, just east of St. Louis, Missouri. After being shuttered by former owner Dover Motorsports Inc., on Nov. 3, 2010, it was announced Sept. 8, 2011, that the facility would re-open and host an NHRA Full Throttle Series event Oct. 5-7,...
on July 28, 2006, 22 laps (27.5 miles) were added to the 120-lap (150-mile) scheduled distance.
This version, or a similar variant with no green/white rule, is used in most short tracks.
Regional Series
The Camping World East and West Series use a rule similar to the ARCA rule with an unlimited number of attempts. In April 2005, two green-white-checkered attempts were used at Phoenix International RacewayPhoenix International Raceway
Phoenix International Raceway, also known as PIR, is a one-mile, low-banked tri-oval race track located in Avondale, Arizona. The track opened in 1964 and currently hosts two NASCAR race weekends annually. PIR has also hosted the Indycar Series, CART, USAC and the Rolex Sports Car Series...
for a Camping World West race.
Camping World Truck Series (1995-2004)
The NASCAR Camping World truck Series adopted a green-white-checkered flag rule initially during nationally televised 200-lap exhibition races at Tucson Raceway ParkTucson Raceway Park
Tucson Raceway Park is a 3/8-mile paved oval racetrack located at the Pima County Fairgrounds, off Interstate 10 just south of Tucson, Arizona. It is one of only three paved ovals in the state of Arizona . The track is currently closed. -History:The track was built in 1968, originally as a clay oval...
in Arizona.
When the green flag is waved on the restart, there are two laps remaining in the race. If the yellow flag comes out at any time during the restart, each subsequent restart will be a two-lap restart. (From 1995 until mid-1998, racing back to the caution
Racing back to the caution
In automobile racing, specifically NASCAR stock car racing, "racing back to the caution" is a term used to describe a procedure about what drivers did after a caution flag was displayed.-NASCAR usage:...
was prohibited in the series.)
However, if on the restart, there will be just one scheduled lap remaining, there is a green and white flag restart for the lap. That rule was implemented a few times.
In the middle of the 1998 season, however, a rule change by NASCAR affected the rule; if the yellow flag comes out during the final lap of the race, the trucks would race to the finish. (In the middle of the 1998 season, as NASCAR eliminated the two-segment races, NASCAR permitted the trucks to race to the caution.) That rule was eliminated in September 2003 as a result of the ban on racing back to the caution.
In a July 2004 race at Gateway International Raceway
Gateway International Raceway
Gateway Motorsports Park is a race track in Madison, Illinois, USA, just east of St. Louis, Missouri. After being shuttered by former owner Dover Motorsports Inc., on Nov. 3, 2010, it was announced Sept. 8, 2011, that the facility would re-open and host an NHRA Full Throttle Series event Oct. 5-7,...
, multiple green-white-checkered restarts resulted in a 160-lap race going 14 additional laps. After that race, the rule was changed to standardise the rule with NASCAR's other national series, which also adopted the rule.
Sprint Cup and Nationwide Series (July 25, 2004-present)
In the late 1990s, NASCAR's other two national series, the Sprint Cup and Nationwide Series, had set a loose precedent that allowed for a red flag to be displayed during a late-race caution flag. At the time, races on the other two national circuits were prohibited from being extended beyond the advertised distance. The action would temporarily halt the race, allowing safety crews to clear the track, and allow for a full restart, without the field having burned up the remaining laps under yellow. Initially, the rule was used only on short tracks, but eventually spread to all races. The implementation, however, was widely inconsistent, and inevitably would lead to controversy.At the 2002 Pepsi 400, a late-race caution came out, and participants and spectators expected a red flag. NASCAR chose not to halt the race, citing too few laps remaining, and fans pelted the circuit with cans and other debris as it finished under yellow. The decision not to go back to green was based on two similar situations at restrictor plate tracks. In the 1993
1993 in NASCAR
The 1993 NASCAR Winston Cup Series Season began on February 7 and ended on November 14. Dale Earnhardt of Richard Childress Racing won the title, the sixth of his career....
Winston 500
Aaron's 499
The Aaron's 499 is a NASCAR Sprint Cup Series stock car auto race held at Talladega Superspeedway in Talladega, Alabama. The race has always been held in late April or early May. The Aaron's 499 is also one of four races currently run with restrictor plates, the others being the AMP Energy 500,...
, the field went back to green with two laps to go. Through the dogleg towards the finish line, the tightly-bunched field led to a violent crash by Rusty Wallace, who was hospitalized. In the 1997
1997 in NASCAR
- 1997 Team Chart :- Busch Clash :The Busch Clash, a race for polewinners from the previous season, and drivers who have won the event before, was run on February 9 in Daytona Beach, Florida. Terry Labonte drew the pole...
Pepsi 400
Coke Zero 400
The Coke Zero 400 powered by Coca-Cola at Daytona is a 160 lap, NASCAR Sprint Cup Series stock car race held annually, beginning in 1959, at Daytona International Speedway in Daytona Beach, Florida; the second major stock car event held at Daytona on the Sprint Cup circuit...
, a restart with one lap to go caused a multi-car crash, which injured Mark Martin
Mark Martin
Mark Martin may refer to:* Mark Martin , American racecar driver* Mark Martin , American cartoonist* Mark Martin , American judge* Mark Martin , British murderer...
.
For 2003 and 2004, the red flag rules were clarified somewhat to standardise the use, with a specific lap, usually five laps remaining, being the lap designated as the "last red flag lap." Television would mention such a lap during the race specifics on broadcasts. In late 2003, NASCAR, in an unrelated move, added the Beneficiary Rule
Lucky dog
The beneficiary rule, commonly referred to as the "lucky dog" or "free pass", is a rule in some motor racing leagues allowing the closest lapped driver to the front of the field to gain back a lap when a caution is called. The driver is called to move to the end of the longest line of the cars at...
and prohibited drivers from racing back to the start/finish line
Racing back to the caution
In automobile racing, specifically NASCAR stock car racing, "racing back to the caution" is a term used to describe a procedure about what drivers did after a caution flag was displayed.-NASCAR usage:...
when yellow flags were displayed after Casey Mears
Casey Mears
Casey James Mears is the driver of the #13 GEICO Toyota for Germain Racing in the Sprint Cup Series. He is a former winner of the Coca-Cola 600....
, attempting to gain a lap back, nearly ran into a stopped Dale Jarrett
Dale Jarrett
Dale Arnold Jarrett is a former American race car driver and current sports commentator known for winning the 1999 NASCAR Winston Cup Series championship...
in such an instance. The field was frozen at the onset of the yellow based on the last timing interval. The unforeseen combination of the two new rules created unexpected problems.
A controversial finish to the 2004
2004 in NASCAR
The 2004 NASCAR Nextel Cup season began on Saturday, February 7 and ended on Sunday, November 21. Kurt Busch with Roush Racing driving a Ford was the Nextel Cup champion....
Nextel Cup Aaron's 499
Aaron's 499
The Aaron's 499 is a NASCAR Sprint Cup Series stock car auto race held at Talladega Superspeedway in Talladega, Alabama. The race has always been held in late April or early May. The Aaron's 499 is also one of four races currently run with restrictor plates, the others being the AMP Energy 500,...
occurred as Jeff Gordon
Jeff Gordon
Jeffery Michael "Jeff" Gordon is a professional NASCAR driver. He is the driver of the #24 Drive to End Hunger/DuPont/Pepsi Chevrolet Impala. He is a four-time Sprint Cup Series champion and a three-time Daytona 500 winner. He is third on the all-time wins list, with 85 career wins, and has the...
and Dale Earnhardt, Jr.
Dale Earnhardt, Jr.
* NOTE: References to "Earnhardt", "he", and "him" refer to the subject of this article, unless otherwise specified. References to his father will include "Sr."...
were racing for the lead with five laps remaining. The field was working Lap 184 of 188, beyond the point of when a red flag could halt the race (the last red flag lap was 184). As Earnhardt, Jr. was passing Gordon for the lead, Brian Vickers
Brian Vickers
Brian Lee Vickers is a American NASCAR driver. He was the 2003 Busch Series champion, and at age 20, became the youngest champion in any of NASCAR's three top-tier series...
spun in turn three. When the caution was displayed, freezing the field, it was determined that Gordon's car was just ahead of Earnhardt's, and Gordon was scored as the leader, and thus, the winner. On the final lap, some angry fans again threw debris (seat cushions, alcoholic beverage bottles) on the track at Gordon, which angered many observers, including Fox
NASCAR on Fox
NASCAR on Fox is the Emmy-winning branding used for Fox Sports's broadcasts of NASCAR races airing on the Fox network since 2001. The production has been in high-definition since 2005.-Background:...
commentators Chris Myers
Chris Myers
Christopher Patrick "Chris" Myers ) is an American sportscaster.-Biography:With more than 20 years in broadcasting, Chris Myers has covered premiere events, including the Super Bowl, World Series, NBA Finals, NCAA Final Four, The Masters and U.S...
and Jeff Hammond.
In the wake of the controversies, in mid-July 2004, all three touring series, adopted a new, revised green-white-checkered rule. The revised format handles late-race cautions in a standardized manner.
Caution after the white flag has been shown
The race is over. The field is frozen at the moment of the yellow flag, and the scoring is official as cars cross the finish line. The second point is a critical one: cars must be able to complete the final lap under their own power. The 2007 LifeLock 400 was somewhat controversial for this reason, as Greg Biffle ran out of fuel while under caution. Biffle was not able to maintain pace car speed, but he did manage to coast across the finish line and was awarded the win despite being passed by some cars while under caution.There is a notable exception to this rule. If there is an incident during the final lap behind the leaders, and the run to the finish line is clear for the leaders, NASCAR may delay the caution until the checkered flag is shown, allowing the leaders to race for the win. In such cases track safety workers may arrive at the scene of the incident. This exception was used during the 2007 Daytona 500
2007 Daytona 500
The 2007 Daytona 500 was the first race of the 2007 NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series season, taking place on February 18, 2007 at Daytona International Speedway in Daytona Beach, Florida. Kevin Harvick won the race by .02 second over Mark Martin in the closest finish since the first race at Daytona...
.
Caution with two laps remaining
If a caution period starts, or continues, any time with two laps remaining in the scheduled distance, NASCAR allows at least one attempt to finish the race under green flag conditions. From 2004 through 2009, one attempt was allowed; starting in 2010, up to three attempts can be made. This began with the 2010 Budweiser Shootout. With two laps to go, during an official green-white checkered, Jeff Gordon got into the back of Greg Biffle, creating a multi-car wreck and giving the win to Kevin Harvick.When it is determined that the track is clear for racing, the green flag is shown, indicating the restart. As the leader completes the first lap, the white flag is shown, signaling the final lap. As the leader completes the second lap, the checkered flag is shown, signaling the conclusion of the race.
If the caution flag is shown during the first of the two laps, the field is frozen as it would be during a regular race caution, and a second green-white-checker attempt will be made, up to a maximum of three attempts. If the caution flag after the white flag is shown during the first two attempts, or during the third attempt at any time, the race is over. The field is frozen at the moment of the yellow flag, and the scoring is official as cars cross the finish line.
In the event of a race ending due to caution, video evidence is used in addition to scoring loops to determine the official order of finish.
A green-white-checkered finish will extend the race beyond its advertised distance, and competitors were not allowed to pit for fuel without losing positions. Teams are responsible for considering the extended distance in their fuel strategies. However, if the cleanup is expected to take considerable time, NASCAR may red flag the race with the cars on the track, so that cars don't consume all their fuel under caution.
Other uses
British Superbike Championship motorcycle racing uses a similar rule after two-thirds of the race has been completed. After two-thirds of the race laps (rounded down) have been completed, if a cautionSafety car
In motorsport, a safety car or pace car is a car which limits the speed of competing cars on a racetrack in the case of a caution period such as an obstruction on the track. During a caution period the safety car enters the track ahead of the leader...
is called, the race will be extended by three laps.
For example, in an 18-lap race, the caution is waved on the 14th lap (two-thirds is 12 laps). The caution period lasts three laps, with the safety car coming in at the end of the 16th lap, effectively calling the restart on Lap 17. which would be two laps remaining. However, British Superbike rules state once two-thirds of the race distance is passed, the first three laps of a caution "do not count as race laps," thereby implementing a green-white-checkered style rule where the three laps are added to the scheduled race distance, thereby making the race a total of 21 laps.