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AMA adopts yellow/red light system to aid flaggers
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When I read that rule, H-3, I wonder what is the point of the red cross flag?
Are you serious?
A red flag is displayed when they require urgent medical assistance. A mule or ambulance isn't allowed onto the track while racing. So the race has to be stopped.
Pro racing has been using these lights for quite a while.
This ama rule is for local racing. Allowing local tracks to use a light system.
This could be quite handy on a practice day.
1 flagger could sit at a high look out point. With 4-5 flag points infront and when there is a crash press the button for the light on that jump.
It’s what some clubs in Nz have been doing for close to 20 years , we put sirens in as well as flashing lights. Can control from a central point
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Just was thinking about this the other day. We’ve had a few flagging incidents in our area this year already. A light system would probably be a big expense for track, but once the system is in I wouldn’t think the upkeep would be horrible? Definitely a great way to make riders aware of an incident.
We looked into this system at the local motorcycle club track I volunteer with. It is very expensive, but for a track like Lincoln Trail that consistently has 700+ turnouts at their races all summer long, it is a no brainer.
Most of the tracks around me, Illinois, have this setup. I know it's expensive, but it sure does help!
Yes I believe he is serious -- but he said RED CROSS flag, not RED flag as you thought.
For the original question on it, yes in Amateur AMA racing the yellow and red cross flags are very similar since both mean slow/no passing/roll jumps (except as noted below).
However, the red cross flag is supposed to be used to indicate medical vehicles or personnel are there.
Here are the actual flag rules for each:
3. YELLOW: Caution. When a yellow flag is displayed, competitors must ride cautiously until they have passed the incident that caused the flag. When displayed there is no passing or gaining an advantage and jumps must be rolled between the flag and the incident that caused the yellow flag. Failure to do so may result in loss of positions or disqualification, subject to the referee’s discretion.
At the AMA Amateur National Motocross Championship and the AMA Amateur Arenacross National Championship a rider may jump and pass between the yellow flag and the incident but must show caution. Failure to show caution may result in the rider being docked from one finishing position to a disqualification from the event, subject to the referee’s discretion.
6. WHITE WITH RED CROSS: Indicates that ambulances, safety vehicles or emergency personnel may be on the course. Competitors must show extreme caution, slow down, maintain position, not gain an advantage and wheels of the motorcycle must not leave the ground between the flag and the incident. Failure to do so may result in loss of position or a disqualification, subject to the referee's discretion.
Red Cross and Red Flags are 2 different things. You didn't read what he wrote.
Hey, that's my local track. Neat.
I'm all for it truthfully, especially on practice days when tracks can't get as many flaggers as they would on a race day since that's when it's impact would be largest. Excited to see how it pans out this year at LTM.
Thank you for that clarification, I was not aware the amateur rules differed that much from pro racing. I do find it a little odd that they specify you can jump under yellow but only at Loretta's.
I also didn't realize this was specific to amateur racing when I read it and had to read it a couple of times to make sure I was not getting it confused like mx313 seems to have done.
but it has to be used correctly one person covering multiple positions is key, but they have to pay attention and so does the ridership.
BLowing past a yellow flag is no different then blowing past a yellow light. Riders have to adhere to these warnings.
allowing jumping on yellow at any level of racing is foolish and irresponsible. but that's above my pay grade.
Local grass roots racing like any other business can't find flaggers that will do it correctly. So lights is a way to mitigate that issue. we have 6 sets of 2 and use the lights at our indoor and our summer series. they work for us and the ridership has been really good about paying attention.
I personally like that it takes the flagger off the face of the jump. and eliminates a flagger stand tht a rider can hit.
Since we have been using lights and so many tracks here in D17 have been as well, thought it should be placed in the rule book since it's a proven process that works. Caution Z kicks azz on these ass well professional product and quality transmitters makes all the difference.
"Local grass roots racing like any other business can't find flaggers that will do it correctly."
Wardy
You've been at this long enough to know why you can't find flaggers that will do it correctly.
Tracks offer what....$40-$100 and a free hot dog and soda from concessions per flagger for braving the elements for 8-10 hours? In most cases, this doesn't even come out to state minimum wages when you break it down to an hourly level.
Seems like most track promoters/operators are just happy to have a warm body holding a stick.
You want to get quality flaggers? Pay them a worthwhile wage to be out there all day. Train them. Coach them. Put 'em on "staff" to keep them coming out every weekend. Make it a decent part time job for someone.
I'm all for the light system, it's a great idea. It's just aggravating when you come in here with that "No gOoD wOrKeRs tO bE fOuNd" mentality when in reality it's systematic acceptance that promoters/operators are allowed to stick any joe blow out there on the track for as cheaply as possible in order to maximize profits.
Or push the yellow flag button wherever Barcia passes/ gets passed because you know what’s coming.
They need to always be ready for Sexton.
Ohh my bad. I miss took it for a red flag.
But yea. Pro racing and amateurs are different. Just last week 7 deuce deuce though Pros had to roll on a yellow.
LOL ok well that might be true at some places. not mine. And since you called me out on this if you are saying that finding a 16 year old and up person to flag for 150-200 an event is "easy" show me. We are forunate that we have quality flaggers, but the viability of the lights is needed for the reasons i stated.
I just know the facts and well thank fully there are some things that help.
carrry on.
Red lights for Sexton for the win!
This didn't age well...
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