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NASCAR to get new flag for stage breaks?

By Nick Tylwalk

May 15, 2016; Dover, DE, USA; NASCAR Sprint Cup Series driver Kevin Harvick (4) leads the field to the green flag to start the AAA 400 Drive For Autism at Dover International Speedway. Mandatory Credit: Matthew O
May 15, 2016; Dover, DE, USA; NASCAR Sprint Cup Series driver Kevin Harvick (4) leads the field to the green flag to start the AAA 400 Drive For Autism at Dover International Speedway. Mandatory Credit: Matthew O /
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All fans know green, white, checkered, yellow, red and even black flags, but a new one might be on the way during the 2017 season.

Even if your NASCAR flag game is tight, it could have room for improvement. Specifically, you might need to learn a new flag color and/or design in concert with rules changes for the upcoming NASCAR Monster Energy Cup Series season.

The Arizona Republic reports (with a h/t to Jayski) that with races now awarding points for the running order at the end of each stage, NASCAR is considering a way to signal the end of each stage with something other than a normal yellow flag.

The paper explained how the process is expected to work when the Cup Series hits Phoenix Raceway in March:

"When approximately 25 percent of the 312 laps are complete (a little more than 75 laps; teams will be told in advance the exact distance), stage one will end. NASCAR is likely to signal this with a newly designed – and as yet not revealed – flag color and design. Points ranging from 10 to 1 will be awarded to the top drivers. They then can pit."

While it’s sure to rile up those who are averse to change, it’s a logical move simply so drivers know what’s going on. As Joey Logano noted to the Republic, “Ten points is a big deal,” and drivers will want to secure as many as possible at the end of each stage.

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So a stage break is much more important than a regular caution, and a new flag just makes sense. Now the question is what color it will be. Purple isn’t being used yet in NASCAR, nor is orange. Fans should have fun guessing what the sanctioning body will dream up before the new flag is used in a race for the first time.

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