TT marshals threaten action over yellow flag debacle

A NUMBER of TT marshals have called for action over the confusion of ignored yellow warning flags at this year's Isle of Man TT races.

Many have said they are prepared to walk-out at next year's races if the problem cannot be addressed, after several riders were seen speeding past the yellow flags in this year's event.

Last week the ACU confirmed one rider had received a £250 fine for speeding past a series of yellow flags during the 2010 event; the warning signal is used to inform riders to slow down and not overtake due to a potential hazard in the road.
 
Riders' liaison officer John Barton said:

"We need to sit round a table and reach some sort of protocol where everyone knows what signals mean," he said.

"At the moment there are different interpretations about when a flag should be waved and when it should be stationary so we need something that is clear for everyone to understand."

Chairman of the TT Marshals' Association Terry Holmes gave his views on the matter, which also involve a few chairs:

"We need to sit down with riders and with the ACU (Auto-Cycle Union, the governing body for motorcycle sport) and air some views," he said.

"It is all about keeping everyone safe, riders, marshals and spectators, and making the event as safe as possible," he said.

Ian Hutchinson, winner of five TTs in 2010, said he lost 'two seconds' in a race due to a warning flag when there appeared to be no hazard.