From the beginning to the end of a NASCAR race, flags play an important role in the management of the race.
Every flag conveys a message to the drivers about the course that they are driving on.
In NASCAR races, for example, what does it mean to fly a white flag?
The white flag alerts drivers to the last lap. It alerts them of the checkered flag ahead.
It's possible that the final lap won't always be that straightforward.
The race ends automatically if a caution emerges with the white flag.
Race officials must intervene on the track to prevent unmanageable race endings.
When a yellow caution flag is waved on a hazard, the field freezes, the scoreboard goes off, and drivers must slow to the pace car.