- 1). Spend ample time --- at least several years, if possible --- working for a pit crew or driving a raceway automobile prior to becoming a flagman. Possess an expert knowledge of the race you are overseeing. Be up to date and familiar with all rules and regulations.
- 2). Retain a passion for raceway automobiles --- cars or motorbikes, for example --- and work on autos or crews as often as possible. Stay within the rules and regulations of your job when choosing to work on autos or crews. Check with raceway bosses on rules pertaining to drivers and crews that may race at the speedway where you are a flag man to prevent conflicts of interest.
- 3). Learn the importance of every color flag. Keep all flags upside down and in front of you while watching the race. Keep a portion of the flag itself exposed so you have a clear idea which flag is which. Having the flag upside down allows for quick access to the handle. Remember: green flags start the race and tell drivers the raceway is clear; yellow stands for caution; red orders drivers not to continue and to pull over; white communicates only a single lap remains in the race; checkered indicates the finish of a race; black is aimed a single driver, instructing him to pull over due to a rule violation; black with a white "X" through it tells a driver to stop racing immediately or he will forfeit his score; blue with a wavy yellow line though it informs a driver that he has a fast car approaching behind him and to proceed with care.
- 4). Stay alert at all times. Watch the race, every minute, from start to finish. Keep your eyes peeled for flying debris and out of control cars to protect yourself, drivers and fans. Avoid potential distractions from fans at all costs.
- 5). Keep your headset turned on and radio handy during the entire race. Be prepared to handle multiple communications between raceway officials, scorers, corner workers and line-up personnel. Take flag commands from raceway personnel. Wave a yellow flag if you are informed by officials of debris on the track, for example.
- 6). Hold the flag in a horizontal fashion. Fully stretch your arm out so the driver can see the flag. Wave each flag, one at a time, in a figure eight fashion. Wave individual flags only when prompted by raceway authorities.
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