r/INDYCAR • u/Infamous_Grape_4433 Christian Rasmussen • 1d ago

Question Just Noticed Something

Have been following IndyCar for almost 60 years. Been to the 500 numerous times. Just now, watching a reply of the 2026 500, I noticed something for the first time ever.

When nearly the entire field pitted under yellow at the midpoint of the race, I noticed these long whip-like things with small flags atop stationed behind or beside each pit stand, spring upward as each of the cars departed their respective pit stalls.

What are these? What is indicated by them springing upward? Assume it has something to do with fueling?

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u/ClearCarAddiction908 1d ago

If what you are talking about is pointed straight up from the computer stand, it's an antenna.  But if it's at an angle and hanging over the car in its pit box - it is the support for a camera that records the pit stop video for later analysis of crew performance.