Motorsport Terminology - Y

Y

Yellow chequer

A term derived when the final lap(s) in a race is completed during a full course yellow while the field is under the control of the Safety Car. In this instance the yellow and chequered flags are waved together and the race is declared finished with the order the same as when the full course yellow began. Unpopular with spectators because of the anti-climactic nature of the finish, the possibility does make some senior race official hesitate to use it late in the race, or direct to slow the safety car in order that the hazard may be cleared in time for a competitive race finish. The Indy Racing League has a Yellow chequer rule, and NASCAR allows it (1) if a race is shortened because of curfew or darkness, (2) if the race is already on its final lap when the yellow must be waved, or (3) if there is a yellow implemented during the third attempt at the green-white-checkered finish once the leader has taken the green flag. In Formula One, when there is a yellow chequer, the safety car will not lead the leader to the finish line, unlike the IRL and NASCAR.