FIA FLAG RULES

[Woolley]

Don't know about blues. They invented the full course yellow, and FIA was too precious and superior to just adopt something that works, preferring to be clever and invent something that mostly doesn't.

[theracegypsy]

Originally Posted by nomad_n

So it begs te question does the states have different rules to the rest of the motorsports world? As when champ cars came to town the blue flagging was slightly different...

There are three basic different flagging systems in the world, and the difference is really down to historical development.

They are:
European
North American
Antipodean/Asian

Go back in history, and the French "invented" steeplechase racing about the same time as the Americans were racing tractors round barns on the prarie.

One developed into Grand Prix, the other into Indy ovals.

They needed different marshalling techniques and different flagging systems due to their nature.

Move forward to the time between the wars, and the French decided they would be in charge of world motor sport. The Americans were not happy with that, and went their own way.

After WW2 there was a vast increase in the number of closed circuits in Europe, while the USA still concentrated on ovals. The Australians came into the game, copying the "Yanks" they had fought alongside in the Pacific. However there was other input, and they are not identical. Thus the divide continued.

Even now, with the FIA actually recognised world wide the Americans do not wholly endorse the FIA rules.

I agree with Wooley, that the FIA tend to be blinkered and have kneejerk reactions to re-inventing the wheel when there are already good rules in place.

[275 GTB-4]

Originally Posted by theracegypsy

There are three basic different flagging systems in the world, and the difference is really down to historical development.

They are:
European
North American
Antipodean/Asian

Go back in history, and the French "invented" steeplechase racing about the same time as the Americans were racing tractors round barns on the prarie.

One developed into Grand Prix, the other into Indy ovals.

They needed different marshalling techniques and different flagging systems due to their nature.

Move forward to the time between the wars, and the French decided they would be in charge of world motor sport. The Americans were not happy with that, and went their own way.

After WW2 there was a vast increase in the number of closed circuits in Europe, while the USA still concentrated on ovals. The Australians came into the game, copying the "Yanks" they had fought alongside in the Pacific. However there was other input, and they are not identical. Thus the divide continued.

Even now, with the FIA actually recognised world wide the Americans do not wholly endorse the FIA rules.

I agree with Wooley, that the FIA tend to be blinkered and have kneejerk reactions to re-inventing the wheel when there are already good rules in place.

Hmmmm interesting comments...apart from Indy, I would have thought the Aussies were hugely influenced by the Brits and of course Euro for some classes of racing.

BTW...noting your comments about their origins, how come US Marshals don't wear Bib and Brace overalls

[theracegypsy]

Originally Posted by 275 GTB-4

Hmmmm interesting comments...apart from Indy, I would have thought the Aussies were hugely influenced by the Brits and of course Euro for some classes of racing.

BTW...noting your comments about their origins, how come US Marshals don't wear Bib and Brace overalls

Often they do!

Most wear white cotton jeans and a long sleeve white cotton tee shirt (remember they are not allowed to go trackside under their insurance rulles except at club meetings, and even then it is well controlled.)

But painters cotton dickies Bib and Brace are also popular, and are cheap too. Often combined with the white jacket for patches.

USGP we were issued with Smurf suits. in that lovely pale blue shade. Go figure who thought that one up.

[PVDA]

Originally Posted by theracegypsy

The Australians came into the game, copying the "Yanks" they had fought alongside in the Pacific. However there was other input, and they are not identical. Thus the divide continued.

The American influence on our side of the ditch didn't really occur until Bob Jane built the first Superspeedway out the USA at Calder Park (Thunderdome) in 1987 and introduced NASCAR and it's methods to Australia, this was followed by the Indy/CART/IRL stuff at Surfers.

The above ignores 1/4 & 1/2 mile dirt speedway which has been strongly aligned with the USA for many, many years and the racing at the Thunderdome was seen by many as the next step up from speedway racing.

The F1GP arriving in Australia (Adelaide) in 1985 cemented the FIA way into the Australian CAMS culture and we have been going down hill fast ever since. It's not until recent times when several promotors got sick of CAMS & FIA rules and costs that alternatives have been sought.

[nomad_n]

well this has been interesting reading.... thanks for eveyones input.... looks like we just have to beconfused as usual (seems to be the best way)

[nomad_n]

Hey there people while I was flagging in New Zealand I got asked what site I could go to for looking at the hand signals that flaggies use i.e. the crossed arms for rescue.... If anyone can help me to answer this question it would be greatly appreciated

[PieMan]

Originally Posted by nomad_n

Hey there people while I was flagging in New Zealand I got asked what site I could go to for looking at the hand signals that flaggies use i.e. the crossed arms for rescue.... If anyone can help me to answer this question it would be greatly appreciated

Signals vary from country to country and probably also have regional variations. They are more likely to be used by incident marshals rather than flaggies, who are too busy waving the linen. The very comprehensive system used in the USA was recently discussed on this thread:
http://tentenths.com/forum/showthread.php?t=112957

[Burnsie]

Originally Posted by nomad_n

...what site I could go to for looking at the hand signals that flaggies use...

Well if you want to have a look at the UK signals, click here and scroll to page 16.

[nomad_n]

hanks guys this really helps, Ive sent though to the chief flag at Ruapuna international raceway in NZ.