Green-White-Checkered

Green-White-Checkered (GWC) is a racing procedure used in North American motorsports to ensure races end under active racing conditions instead of behind a safety car when caution flags appear near the finish.

When a caution flag is thrown in the final few laps of a race, officials can declare a Green-White-Checkered finish. This extends the race beyond its original scheduled distance to give drivers a chance to race to the checkered flag. The name comes from the three flags displayed during this procedure: green (restart), white (final lap), and checkered (race end).

Here's how it works: Race officials restart the race under a green flag with two laps remaining. If racing continues without interruption, the white flag signals the final lap, followed by the checkered flag to end the race. However, if another caution occurs during the attempt, officials may try again with another Green-White-Checkered restart.

NASCAR first introduced this rule in their truck series in 1995, then added it to their top Cup Series in 2004. The rule has evolved over time - NASCAR now allows multiple overtime attempts and uses an "overtime line" where if the leader crosses a designated point on track during the first lap of overtime, the race ends even if a caution occurs.

The primary goal is creating excitement for fans by ensuring races end with drivers actively competing rather than slowly following a pace car. It prevents situations where late-race incidents rob deserving drivers of victory chances.

While popular with fans, Green-White-Checkered finishes can be controversial. Critics argue they create artificial drama, increase accident risks due to aggressive driving on restarts, and can significantly extend race length when multiple attempts are needed.

Other racing series beyond NASCAR have adopted similar overtime procedures, making Green-White-Checkered finishes a common feature across North American motorsports from stock cars to open-wheel racing.