Lollipop

A lollipop in motorsport is a round or square sign on a stick used by pit crew members to communicate with drivers during pit stops, getting its name from its resemblance to the candy on a stick.

During a pit stop, one crew member called the "lollipop person" holds this sign to guide the driver. When a race car enters the pit lane for service, the lollipop person positions themselves in front of the car and uses the sign to show the driver exactly where to stop in the pit box.

The lollipop serves as the primary communication tool between the pit crew and driver when engines are running loud and quick decisions matter. The sign often displays important reminders like "BRAKES" or "1ST GEAR" to help drivers remember critical steps during the high-pressure pit stop process.

Once the pit crew completes their work—changing tires, adding fuel, or making adjustments—the lollipop person acts as the safety coordinator. They check that all crew members are clear of the car, tools are removed, and the pit lane exit path is safe before giving the driver permission to leave.

When everything is ready, the lollipop person raises or moves the sign away, which signals the driver to engage first gear and exit the pit box. This system prevents dangerous early releases where a car might leave while crew members are still working or before all equipment is cleared.

The lollipop person holds significant responsibility for pit stop safety and timing. A mistimed signal could result in accidents, penalties, or lost track position. In modern Formula 1, many teams have replaced the traditional lollipop with electronic traffic light systems, though the term "lollipop" remains commonly used in motorsport vocabulary.

In other racing series like NASCAR and IndyCar, similar signs are sometimes called pit boards or sign boards, especially when they're not perfectly round in shape.