Lincoln Speedway announced Wednesday that the Pennsylvania dirt track track will be moving away from the traditional flagman system and using a virtual flagman for the 2024 season. The change will be in place for the track's traditional season-opening event: the Ice Breaker on February 24-25. 

What exactly does this mean and how will it work? According to a press released issued by track officials, a state-of-the-art virtual flagman system will including lighting and message boards around the speedway to alert drivers and fans of important situations on the race track. The system will be run and overseen by officials in the scoring tower. 

Additionally, Lincoln Speedway will continue to utilize flaggers and safety workers in the corners and front straightaway. 

Speedway officials explained that the change has been made in an attempt to create a safer environment for officials working event at the race track. 

“The safety of the drivers and officials is our number one priority and putting this system in place continues our efforts towards that goal," said Lincoln Speedway General Manager, Jerry Parrish.

“When you take a step back and look at it, we are removing two individuals from a hazardous environment that were an extension of the scoring tower. We are modernizing a system that was already in place. Lincoln was the first track in Central PA to utilize a Jumbotron and now other tracks have them and the World of Outlaws bring one on their tour. We are always looking at opportunities to bring innovation to a sport that has been slow to take on change.”

In order to adjust to the change, a flagger will remain in the flag stand to begin the season as the track works through unexpected situations with the virtual system. 

Virtual flagging systems are not new to motorsports; however, Lincoln Speedway will be the first to use the system at a Central PA dirt track. 

The Ice Breaker on February 24-25 will kick off the season with the first 410 Sprint Car races of the season in Central Pennsylvania. Each day of racing will feature a $5,000-to-win 410 Sprint Car Show.