Team Honda HRC Progressive responds to AMA ruling

2/25/2026 8:01am
JT said it very well. The Red Cross/Medic Flag needs to be as simple and easily noticeable as possible. So that no hesitation or decision making...

JT said it very well. The Red Cross/Medic Flag needs to be as simple and easily noticeable as possible. So that no hesitation or decision making is required. When the signal for wheels on ground is given, riders should do everything in their power to make that true, as quickly and as safely as possible.

Penalties, and post race statements should reflect this. However, in this instance, both the penalties (or lack of) and statements will absolutely cause hesitation, and may cause riders to decide whether to comply or not, for their own gain.

While constant interruptions and hold ups to racing (from red and medic flags) maybe frustrating to both fans and racers. I would much rather live with the frustration of a battle cut short, or a race “ruined” by flag timing, than to have a race ruined by a preventable injury or death. 

The sport is dangerous enough as it is. 

As much as the AMA may feel they have painted themselves into a corner, and need to stick to their decision. I would test that with an extreme and admittedly unlikely (but not impossible) scenario. What if this weekend or one soon, similar scenarios play out, i.e. problems with lead in lights, contradictory lights/flags. And someone jumps because they wasted time thinking about lights and flags and their result /career if they get it wrong. What if the jumper lands on, and kills or paralyses a rider, medic, or track crew. 

Surely the shame, sadness and negative impact on the sport would be greater than whatever may occur by changing the decisions and statements made about situation in Arlington. 

I would even prefer if they just straight up said something like. 
There were errors and confusion at the previous round, regarding lead in lights and Red Cross flag scenarios. This is regrettable and for that we apologise. For the sake of safety, this is exactly how we will be treating every situation moving forward. If a light, or flag is displayed, even if in error. Riders must make every possible effort to to reduce speed and keep wheels on ground, as quickly as possible. failure to do so will result in penalties. 

Whatever they do, I would prefer it is in the preference of rider safety, rather than saving face. It’s a difficult task to sanction a race series. I think that even though it wasn’t implemented in the best way, the decision to add lead in lights and conditions around them, were in the interest of safety. This situation has highlighted some flaws, but luckily no one was hurt. Rather than shaming, let’s just support and welcome a positive change from a lesson learnt.


Long post, but I saw someone die at a pro race last year, and then another laying lifeless in a similar way at a race I was in (luckily the latter  made a full recovery). It was horrible, and that was just as an empathetic observer… 

Well said.  

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2/25/2026 8:51am

If it happened, it you write it down. If it isn't written down, it never happened....

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Dr Wario
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2/25/2026 9:35am

If it happened, it you write it down. If it isn't written down, it never happened....

Yes - “ if it wasn’t documented, it wasn’t done”

Dr Wario
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2/25/2026 9:36am
aees wrote:
Read maybe, but comprehend? 🤷They can decide to apply or not to apply a penalty. A warning isn't a penalty.Since you seem to read the rule...

Read maybe, but comprehend? 🤷

They can decide to apply or not to apply a penalty. A warning isn't a penalty.

Since you seem to read the rule book like the devil reads the bible, it would be in direct contradiction to what's in the rule book. For most it's not, because it's allowed in the rule book.

Rider can jump against the red cross, and not get a penalty.

You’re losing this argument 99-1, but yes of course you are the smart one lol 

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1

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aees
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2/25/2026 9:42am
aees wrote:
Read maybe, but comprehend? 🤷They can decide to apply or not to apply a penalty. A warning isn't a penalty.Since you seem to read the rule...

Read maybe, but comprehend? 🤷

They can decide to apply or not to apply a penalty. A warning isn't a penalty.

Since you seem to read the rule book like the devil reads the bible, it would be in direct contradiction to what's in the rule book. For most it's not, because it's allowed in the rule book.

Rider can jump against the red cross, and not get a penalty.

Dr Wario wrote:

You’re losing this argument 99-1, but yes of course you are the smart one lol 

That kind of statement doesn't make it more or less true, you get that? Your specific argument is dead. Riders can jump against a red cross flag, and still there will be no penalty, and it would be in accordance with the rule book. 

Some people have a hard time to comprehend that two things can be true, at the same time. But it is understandable. For a long time it was either 0 or 1. But it's not anymore 😄

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KurtJ99
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2/25/2026 10:49am

I'm out on the debate; just interested how AMA takes this and improves the situation. It's gonna be hard; JT$ says it's too confusing for the riders already. 

 

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RDnutz
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2/25/2026 11:01am
aees wrote:
That kind of statement doesn't make it more or less true, you get that? Your specific argument is dead. Riders can jump against a red cross...

That kind of statement doesn't make it more or less true, you get that? Your specific argument is dead. Riders can jump against a red cross flag, and still there will be no penalty, and it would be in accordance with the rule book. 

Some people have a hard time to comprehend that two things can be true, at the same time. But it is understandable. For a long time it was either 0 or 1. But it's not anymore 😄

lol my Computer Technology professor way back in 1982 told us it was no longer binary digital with just 2 bits, it was Trinary with 3 bits. He called the 3rd bit the Woman bit- so now we have yes, no... maybe?

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PRM31
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2/25/2026 11:18am
KurtJ99 wrote:
I'm out on the debate; just interested how AMA takes this and improves the situation. It's gonna be hard; JT$ says it's too confusing for the...

I'm out on the debate; just interested how AMA takes this and improves the situation. It's gonna be hard; JT$ says it's too confusing for the riders already. 

 

That's where I am. 

At a minimum, they need to make it crystal clear what the rules are moving forward. 

Everything in the rules, every rider sign stating they read the rules.

I would like to see it be very simple where any red = no jump, any yellow = caution. 

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aees
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2/25/2026 11:22am
KurtJ99 wrote:
I'm out on the debate; just interested how AMA takes this and improves the situation. It's gonna be hard; JT$ says it's too confusing for the...

I'm out on the debate; just interested how AMA takes this and improves the situation. It's gonna be hard; JT$ says it's too confusing for the riders already. 

 

PRM31 wrote:
That's where I am. At a minimum, they need to make it crystal clear what the rules are moving forward. Everything in the rules, every rider sign stating...

That's where I am. 

At a minimum, they need to make it crystal clear what the rules are moving forward. 

Everything in the rules, every rider sign stating they read the rules.

I would like to see it be very simple where any red = no jump, any yellow = caution. 

Someone said they never tried Orange/yellow in SX. I know other AMA races outdoors have had it. Also seen Pulp/Steve comment riders complained about visibility.

Is it difficult to see in daylight? 

Nothing beats a properly used flag through.

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Titan1
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2/25/2026 11:50am

The bottom line: 

IF the AMA did indeed convey the rule about the "lead-in" lights according to their own rule book, and took all required required steps to publish and inform the teams/riders...and the teams/riders didn't pay attention, didn't read the rule book, etc....then this is on the riders/teams. 

IF the AMA did NOT convey the rule about the "lead-in" lights according to their own rule book, didn't take all the required steps to publish and inform the teams/riders about the rule change...then this is on the AMA, and they need to fix it.  

I don't know which of those is or isn't true...but from the outside looking in...it sure looks like the AMA screwed up on this one, big time! 

If there is any documentation of the AMA informing the riders/teams about this "lead-in" light rule...I'd love to see it...because as of yet, I haven't seen anything (including my personal reading of the official rule book)...If there is no documentation, I don't see how anyone can support the AMA in this decision? 

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Madkiwi
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2/25/2026 12:03pm Edited Date/Time 2/25/2026 12:04pm
Titan1 wrote:
The bottom line: IF the AMA did indeed convey the rule about the "lead-in" lights according to their own rule book, and took all required required...

The bottom line: 

IF the AMA did indeed convey the rule about the "lead-in" lights according to their own rule book, and took all required required steps to publish and inform the teams/riders...and the teams/riders didn't pay attention, didn't read the rule book, etc....then this is on the riders/teams. 

IF the AMA did NOT convey the rule about the "lead-in" lights according to their own rule book, didn't take all the required steps to publish and inform the teams/riders about the rule change...then this is on the AMA, and they need to fix it.  

I don't know which of those is or isn't true...but from the outside looking in...it sure looks like the AMA screwed up on this one, big time! 

If there is any documentation of the AMA informing the riders/teams about this "lead-in" light rule...I'd love to see it...because as of yet, I haven't seen anything (including my personal reading of the official rule book)...If there is no documentation, I don't see how anyone can support the AMA in this decision? 

Further to your two ifs... and to try and give perspective to the dude arguing from his submarine.

Neither is relevant to the real issue, which is rider and track crew safety.

You can't have a 'maybe' or 'if/and' argument on track. It HAS to be 'if/then'.

Nothing else. To flirt with maybe, or 'if/and' is to push really close to the edge of "this might work, so fuck it, I'm just gonna go for it".

I think that is the underlying issue and THEN the AMA points win/lose debacle. 

5
ricky racer
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2/25/2026 12:26pm

I don't understand. The rules say a red light OR red cross flag may be displayed then goes on to explain how riders are to respond after either are displayed. I can't find anywhere where the rules say that a combination of red light AND red cross flag is needed before riders are to respond accordingly.  Can someone please point that out to me?

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aees
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2/25/2026 12:40pm
Titan1 wrote:
The bottom line: IF the AMA did indeed convey the rule about the "lead-in" lights according to their own rule book, and took all required required...

The bottom line: 

IF the AMA did indeed convey the rule about the "lead-in" lights according to their own rule book, and took all required required steps to publish and inform the teams/riders...and the teams/riders didn't pay attention, didn't read the rule book, etc....then this is on the riders/teams. 

IF the AMA did NOT convey the rule about the "lead-in" lights according to their own rule book, didn't take all the required steps to publish and inform the teams/riders about the rule change...then this is on the AMA, and they need to fix it.  

I don't know which of those is or isn't true...but from the outside looking in...it sure looks like the AMA screwed up on this one, big time! 

If there is any documentation of the AMA informing the riders/teams about this "lead-in" light rule...I'd love to see it...because as of yet, I haven't seen anything (including my personal reading of the official rule book)...If there is no documentation, I don't see how anyone can support the AMA in this decision? 

Madkiwi wrote:
Further to your two ifs... and to try and give perspective to the dude arguing from his submarine.Neither is relevant to the real issue, which is...

Further to your two ifs... and to try and give perspective to the dude arguing from his submarine.

Neither is relevant to the real issue, which is rider and track crew safety.

You can't have a 'maybe' or 'if/and' argument on track. It HAS to be 'if/then'.

Nothing else. To flirt with maybe, or 'if/and' is to push really close to the edge of "this might work, so fuck it, I'm just gonna go for it".

I think that is the underlying issue and THEN the AMA points win/lose debacle. 

I agree with you on that it should be as clear as possible. What you want cant be achieved with current flag status.

Jump or no jump, brake or accelerate, switch lines or not in whoops. Plenty of situations every race. Wasn't it ourdoors Ferrandis and AP they piled upon during yellow?

Yellow would need to be 1 wheel on ground if you want to avoid riders having to make split second decisions. Now it's "yellow waving, oh what do i do" several times per lap.

 

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aees
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2/25/2026 12:45pm
I don't understand. The rules say a red light OR red cross flag may be displayed then goes on to explain how riders are to respond...

I don't understand. The rules say a red light OR red cross flag may be displayed then goes on to explain how riders are to respond after either are displayed. I can't find anywhere where the rules say that a combination of red light AND red cross flag is needed before riders are to respond accordingly.  Can someone please point that out to me?

That's what the whole shit show is about. They introduced lead in lights 2024 after Jetts incident where he couldn't see the red cross flag. Riders complained about not being able to see a flag until it's to late when there are for example a steep jump face.

So warning lights (lead in) where introduced to help them. And only on appointed places depending on track. According to AMA, riders and teams where briefed about it (I know Weigant mentioned it even on TV for SMX). But it's not in the rule book. 

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erik_94COBRA
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2/25/2026 1:08pm

Just looking at the rule book further and it appears that Honda can't even file a protest.

 

image 2655

 

Welcome to 🤡🌎.

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Johnny Ringo
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2/25/2026 1:17pm
Just looking at the rule book further and it appears that Honda can't even file a protest.  Welcome to 🤡🌎.

Just looking at the rule book further and it appears that Honda can't even file a protest.

 

image 2655

 

Welcome to 🤡🌎.

Honda can go race WSX if they don’t like it

25
skypig
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2/25/2026 2:07pm Edited Date/Time 2/25/2026 2:08pm
Just looking at the rule book further and it appears that Honda can't even file a protest.  Welcome to 🤡🌎.

Just looking at the rule book further and it appears that Honda can't even file a protest.

 

image 2655

 

Welcome to 🤡🌎.

But the rule book is optional 

The only thing I and the AMA agree on. 

I don’t think it shouldn’t be, while they do, when it suits them. 

2
2/25/2026 2:12pm
Just looking at the rule book further and it appears that Honda can't even file a protest.  Welcome to 🤡🌎.

Just looking at the rule book further and it appears that Honda can't even file a protest.

 

image 2655

 

Welcome to 🤡🌎.

So, they make the rules, can ignore the rules, and can't be protested? 

This does not sound like a professional sport the deeper we go lol.

15
2/25/2026 2:25pm
aees wrote:
That's what the whole shit show is about. They introduced lead in lights 2024 after Jetts incident where he couldn't see the red cross flag. Riders...

That's what the whole shit show is about. They introduced lead in lights 2024 after Jetts incident where he couldn't see the red cross flag. Riders complained about not being able to see a flag until it's to late when there are for example a steep jump face.

So warning lights (lead in) where introduced to help them. And only on appointed places depending on track. According to AMA, riders and teams where briefed about it (I know Weigant mentioned it even on TV for SMX). But it's not in the rule book. 

>But it's not in the rule book

The only important thing about any of the drivel you've spouted on here.

3
1
Jkawi
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2/25/2026 2:29pm
CPR wrote:
Let’s say these Supplementary Regulations were “made by AMA for an Event” as you say; which “Event” would that have been? Round 1, and again for...

Let’s say these Supplementary Regulations were “made by AMA for an Event” as you say; which “Event” would that have been? Round 1, and again for Round 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7?……. 
Regardless, as 38Special showed; the rule book states these sup regs will be published on the website, which they aren’t. It’s almost as if they don’t exist?

yak651 wrote:
Exactly, @aees  is acting like this was the first race this new rule was announced at. IF we want to believe it was announced at media...

Exactly, @aees  is acting like this was the first race this new rule was announced at. IF we want to believe it was announced at media day before the season started there has been almost 3 months to update the rule book. We can safely assume this rule, if it was changed, was not correctly communicated 

aees wrote:
Give it a rest 😅 Can you breathe without instructions? 😅If the lead in lights are track design dependent, they need to inform about that for...

Give it a rest 😅 Can you breathe without instructions? 😅

If the lead in lights are track design dependent, they need to inform about that for every track. 

They should have put something in the book, yes. However, there just isn't an excuse to invalidate what is said at riders meeting or else just because it's not in the book. 

My guess is, they have said "remember the lead in lights are placed at x and y this week". And probably they missed it some weeks.  

IT WASN"T FUCKING SAID AT ANY RIDERS MEETING!!!! STOP IT! Where in the fuck are you getting that it was talked about in the riders meeting? Riders that were there said nothing was talked about, the section of the AMA website where it says it would be posted has nothing there. You are the only thing that seems to think this was laid down in the riders meeting.

As someone said above, they have the damn transcript of the riders meeting and there is nothing about lead in lights. Are you seriously just stupid?

11
KurtJ99
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2/25/2026 3:05pm

It would be cool if they would add it to the Yamaha track map. "There are four Do Not Jump flashing red lights and two lead in light warnings at Daytona, located here. Riders can jump on lead in lights but not on Flashing Red lights"

 

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mxjeff575
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2/25/2026 3:16pm
KurtJ99 wrote:
It would be cool if they would add it to the Yamaha track map. "There are four Do Not Jump flashing red lights and two lead...

It would be cool if they would add it to the Yamaha track map. "There are four Do Not Jump flashing red lights and two lead in light warnings at Daytona, located here. Riders can jump on lead in lights but not on Flashing Red lights"

 

But...if the lead in lights are flashing red AND a red cross flag is out, they can't jump.  But, if the lead in lights are flashing red and no red cross flag is seen, they can jump.  And, no jumping on a red cross unless you are in a section with lead in lights and they are not flashing red.  This was all verbally communicated once last year therefore everyone should be well aware and make the correct assessment.

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38special
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2/25/2026 3:25pm

I just find it comical that the Riders Briefing for Arlington specifically says Red Cross Flag >>or<< red flashing lights.  There it is, in writing just like the rulebook.

The Riders Briefing has no mention of "lead in" lights or any of the other stuff that the riders have supposedly been told.  Unreal.

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peelout
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2/25/2026 4:29pm Edited Date/Time 2/25/2026 4:30pm

* AMA explaining the Lead-In-Light rules at riders meeting

 

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Tyler D
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2/25/2026 6:09pm Edited Date/Time 2/25/2026 6:10pm
aees wrote:
SUPPLEMENTARY REGULATIONS a. Supplementary Regulations may be made by AMA for an Event. Such Supplementary Regulations shall apply to the conduct of that Event if they...

SUPPLEMENTARY REGULATIONS

a. Supplementary Regulations may be made by AMA for an Event. Such Supplementary Regulations shall apply to the conduct of that Event if they are issued or announced prior to or during the Event by means of a Bulletin, newsletter, fax, electronic or internet posting, Pre-Race meeting, or communication over the radio from Race

In think everyone agrees it should have been in the book by now. However, as mentioned from the start, not all rules needs to be in the book as some is insisting. 

38special wrote:
There are no Supplementary Regulations posted there either, as they are supposed to be, PER THE RULEBOOK:

There are no Supplementary Regulations posted there either, as they are supposed to be, PER THE RULEBOOK:

image 2644.png?VersionId=KYdKPq4VSyKDV.k6HfsQ1CCjVX
aees wrote:
Jesus. How do you people get by in daily life?Something communicated at a national, regional or local race in a rider meeting isn't expected to be...

Jesus. How do you people get by in daily life?

Something communicated at a national, regional or local race in a rider meeting isn't expected to be posted at the website of AMA. 

How do you expect communication over the radio from Race Direction to be simultaneously posted at a website? 😅

It can be done in about 5 minutes. And it's the professional thing to do. It's pretty hilarious you're trying to gatekeep with your credentials and you're stuck in the 90s. 

 

You post the addendum, email the teams and managers, and then, as a courtesy, send the notification of update to a slack channel populated by all team managers and/or riders. 

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Johnny Oz
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2/25/2026 7:24pm

If the AMA admit to making a mistake, by not implementing both lights AND flag at an incident, then they should pay a fine, payable to riders inconvenienced by said mistake.

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Village Idiot
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2/25/2026 7:50pm
38special wrote:
There are no Supplementary Regulations posted there either, as they are supposed to be, PER THE RULEBOOK:

There are no Supplementary Regulations posted there either, as they are supposed to be, PER THE RULEBOOK:

image 2644.png?VersionId=KYdKPq4VSyKDV.k6HfsQ1CCjVX
aees wrote:
Jesus. How do you people get by in daily life?Something communicated at a national, regional or local race in a rider meeting isn't expected to be...

Jesus. How do you people get by in daily life?

Something communicated at a national, regional or local race in a rider meeting isn't expected to be posted at the website of AMA. 

How do you expect communication over the radio from Race Direction to be simultaneously posted at a website? 😅

Tyler D wrote:
It can be done in about 5 minutes. And it's the professional thing to do. It's pretty hilarious you're trying to gatekeep with your credentials and...

It can be done in about 5 minutes. And it's the professional thing to do. It's pretty hilarious you're trying to gatekeep with your credentials and you're stuck in the 90s. 

 

You post the addendum, email the teams and managers, and then, as a courtesy, send the notification of update to a slack channel populated by all team managers and/or riders. 

In the interest of having clear and effective communication (so we aren't accused of being like some organizations), please provide the following clarification:

Are you referring to the 1890s or 1990s? (or other?)

TIA 👍

3
aees
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2/26/2026 12:20am
yak651 wrote:
Exactly, @aees  is acting like this was the first race this new rule was announced at. IF we want to believe it was announced at media...

Exactly, @aees  is acting like this was the first race this new rule was announced at. IF we want to believe it was announced at media day before the season started there has been almost 3 months to update the rule book. We can safely assume this rule, if it was changed, was not correctly communicated 

aees wrote:
Give it a rest 😅 Can you breathe without instructions? 😅If the lead in lights are track design dependent, they need to inform about that for...

Give it a rest 😅 Can you breathe without instructions? 😅

If the lead in lights are track design dependent, they need to inform about that for every track. 

They should have put something in the book, yes. However, there just isn't an excuse to invalidate what is said at riders meeting or else just because it's not in the book. 

My guess is, they have said "remember the lead in lights are placed at x and y this week". And probably they missed it some weeks.  

Jkawi wrote:
IT WASN"T FUCKING SAID AT ANY RIDERS MEETING!!!! STOP IT! Where in the fuck are you getting that it was talked about in the riders meeting...

IT WASN"T FUCKING SAID AT ANY RIDERS MEETING!!!! STOP IT! Where in the fuck are you getting that it was talked about in the riders meeting? Riders that were there said nothing was talked about, the section of the AMA website where it says it would be posted has nothing there. You are the only thing that seems to think this was laid down in the riders meeting.

As someone said above, they have the damn transcript of the riders meeting and there is nothing about lead in lights. Are you seriously just stupid?

Jesus. Again. Reading comprehension is not your strong suit is it. It is based on that AMA has said they have informed teams and riders.

I have said the whole, time IF it has been communicated. You missing that? The comment above is still valid. What is said at rider meetings is applicable. I didn't say THEY HAVE said it, in said my GUESS is.

You can't be so stupid you think it is a transcript, you think that's the exact words only that was spoken on every rider meeting this year? Nothing else then the words in those docs was mentioned? 😄 I'm thinking riders and AMA is now teleporting since the Daytona transcript is already on the site 😅

Btw, no mentioning of lead in lights for Daytona. Wonder where they will brief about it.

23
kxking
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2/26/2026 4:43am

Prosecutor: So "Flagman" why were you waving the Red Cross flag?

Flagman: Because I saw danger on the track that the riders couldn't see and I didn't want the riders to jump into that danger.

Prosecutor: What did you expect to happen with the waving of the flag?

Flagman: That the riders would roll the jump and nobody else would get hurt?

Prosecutor: Is this normal practice?

Flagman: Yes.

Prosecutor: So when the rider sees the red cross flag they are expected to roll the jump instead of clearing it, as to not jump into the danger?

Flagman: Yes

Prosecutor: So why would they continue to jump into danger while you were waving the red cross flag?

Flagman: Because the lead in lights were not on.

Prosecutor: Then why wave the red cross flag at all?

Flagman: .............ummmmm

 

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