¶ Here’s how the flags are used in RRR events
These are the foundation of how we expect flags to be interpreted in all our events, however specific rules or race directions may exist for higher skill leagues like RAR or endurance races.
Certain features of Real Penalty are in use for RAR races and above, but never RRR. Always read the information about events to make sure you're following the rules!
Blue Flag:
Be advised, faster car behind you, it would be "polite" to allow them to pass but you are under NO obligation to let them. That being said, YOU ARE NOT PERMITTED TO DEFEND AGAINST THE FASTER CAR.
Some accepted reasons to not yield; you are fighting for position with another car, it's not safe, they aren't closing fast enough, your fighting to regain laps, etc etc. this is only a suggestion, not a rule, but you better have good reason to ignore it or you'll develop a reputation and lose friends. This is the most misunderstood flag... It's the same in multiclass with a stronger emphasis on getting out of the way.
Yellow Flag:
Caution, there is something ahead you need to be aware of ahead. It is wise to slow down, but is not required.
Checkered Flag:
You’ve crossed the line! Session over.
Red flag:
You are unlikely to see this one in our races, but... Race is stopped, all racers need to slow safely and pull to a stop. Sometimes will mean slow to pit speed and pit, but due to how critical this flag is, it's best to get off the track surface as fast and safely as possible and stay in your car until signaled to resume.
Question ... Blue flags. Is it not safer to let the faster car pass without trying to block??
If you move out of the way you begin to drive unpredictable. The faster car should already be planning on a safe overtaking opportunity. Safest bet is to always stay predictable. Lift and coast on the straight until they get through often works too.
If you really want to let them pass for whatever reason usually sticking to the outside on a turn is enough
Blue flags in Qualifying are specific cases even when referring to politeness... if you're in a hotlap, you wouldn't get out of the way even with a faster car approaching, but that way you'll probably ruin their lap
Here's one way to think about acknowledging a blue flag during qualifying:
-
Hotlap vs outlap (self explanatory) - if it's an outlap just allow them to pass.
-
Time set (have I already set a time? Has the person behind me?)
-
Time remaining (if there’s time to sacrifice the lap, let a faster racer by, and still take another hot lap, it’s usually worth doing so)
However, situations will be considered case by case in the event of disputes