The flag colors in motor racing play a significant role, as each one conveys a particluar message. Here's what each solid and patterned flag means.

The black flag in NASCAR is one of the most dreaded flags for a racer. It's probably race over for most drivers along with a possibility of a penalty.

A solid black flag means all racers must return to the pit due to an issue on the track that needs to be resolved. What do the patterened racing flags mean? Simonkr/Getty Images.