Lappers

3/8/2026 7:03am Edited Date/Time 3/8/2026 7:06am
soggy wrote:
The mechanics can’t see hardly any of the track from there position. And the ones getting lap (privateers) can’t all pay a spotter to watch for...

The mechanics can’t see hardly any of the track from there position. And the ones getting lap (privateers) can’t all pay a spotter to watch for them. The in helmet comms being the magic bullet is way over simplifying it imo. 

AMA just needs to grow a set and give big penalties for interferring. Like suspensions of racing license. 

Nothing happens to these guys so they have no reason to change. 

100% agree that penalties need to be handed out to dudes like VC and ignorant lappers.

How about sticking the mechanics in the tower so that they can see where their riders are instead of all the big team bosses etc. I really believe that one way Comm to the rider (only) will be a good solution. The keep left pass right lapper rule.

 

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3/8/2026 7:08am

Have 15 riders for the main and have a seperate race for the 15-30 guys so they can make some money. Im sure they can squeeze in another 12 minutes for 15-30 guys to race.

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TeamGreen
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3/8/2026 7:08am
steveloyer wrote:
I think 15-rider mains only, top 13 get points, and an additional purse makes sense.  At the same time, Vince went 15-15-12.  He beat Factory Kawis...

I think 15-rider mains only, top 13 get points, and an additional purse makes sense.  

At the same time, Vince went 15-15-12.  He beat Factory Kawis Marchbanks.  So this doesnt solve what people are mad about. 

Idk what you do

But, he did get lapped; so, under the proposed changes…he’s out.

Also, under proposed “% of  lap time” rules, he’d likely be out.

Everyone’s making their point due to Eli; but, what about the simple fact that Hunter “clipped lapped rider Cole Thompson in the second race shortly after Tomac's close call.” That quotation is from Racer X. It does point out that the responsibility works both ways and Eli even makes that point with his “taking the risk” comment…and towards the end of race 3…he DID NOT take the risk (which was smart).

 

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TeamGreen
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3/8/2026 7:09am
Dirt_Dawg wrote:
Have 15 riders for the main and have a seperate race for the 15-30 guys so they can make some money. Im sure they can squeeze...

Have 15 riders for the main and have a seperate race for the 15-30 guys so they can make some money. Im sure they can squeeze in another 12 minutes for 15-30 guys to race.

You could have that race in-place of the LCQ. 

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The Shop

MTS940
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3/8/2026 7:11am
MTS940 wrote:

Or maybe we could think of passing lappers as a skill needed to be a professional?

Until a rider who gets lapped multiple times in every single race, pulls his usual blocking bullshit, and cross jumps a legend of the sport. Go...

Until a rider who gets lapped multiple times in every single race, pulls his usual blocking bullshit, and cross jumps a legend of the sport. Go back and watch that idiotic move.

Or, the same person comes to literally a dead stop on the inside line of a corner.

Exactly, point being not a lapper problem but a problem of a rider who has a history of being a danger to the field. If the sanctioning body cannot or will not deal with that do we really need another lapper rule when in this case the lapper should have been barred from competing years ago.

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soggy
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3/8/2026 7:12am
soggy wrote:
The mechanics can’t see hardly any of the track from there position. And the ones getting lap (privateers) can’t all pay a spotter to watch for...

The mechanics can’t see hardly any of the track from there position. And the ones getting lap (privateers) can’t all pay a spotter to watch for them. The in helmet comms being the magic bullet is way over simplifying it imo. 

AMA just needs to grow a set and give big penalties for interferring. Like suspensions of racing license. 

Nothing happens to these guys so they have no reason to change. 

Boomslang wrote:
100% agree that penalties need to be handed out to dudes like VC and ignorant lappers.How about sticking the mechanics in the tower so that they...

100% agree that penalties need to be handed out to dudes like VC and ignorant lappers.

How about sticking the mechanics in the tower so that they can see where their riders are instead of all the big team bosses etc. I really believe that one way Comm to the rider (only) will be a good solution. The keep left pass right lapper rule.

 

I don’t think you can fit 22 mechanics in the tower and have them all be able to see the track and they’d constantly be moving around trying to keep an eye on there rider. Come on man let’s use our brains a little better than that. 

Ultimately it shouldn’t be up to the mechanic to tell the rider.  The only way to change it is to make the penalty so severe it will be a deterrent or remove riders from the track before they get lapped. 

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steveloyer
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3/8/2026 7:16am
steveloyer wrote:
I think 15-rider mains only, top 13 get points, and an additional purse makes sense.  At the same time, Vince went 15-15-12.  He beat Factory Kawis...

I think 15-rider mains only, top 13 get points, and an additional purse makes sense.  

At the same time, Vince went 15-15-12.  He beat Factory Kawis Marchbanks.  So this doesnt solve what people are mad about. 

Idk what you do

TeamGreen wrote:
But, he did get lapped; so, under the proposed changes…he’s out.Also, under proposed “% of  lap time” rules, he’d likely be out.Everyone’s making their point due...

But, he did get lapped; so, under the proposed changes…he’s out.

Also, under proposed “% of  lap time” rules, he’d likely be out.

Everyone’s making their point due to Eli; but, what about the simple fact that Hunter “clipped lapped rider Cole Thompson in the second race shortly after Tomac's close call.” That quotation is from Racer X. It does point out that the responsibility works both ways and Eli even makes that point with his “taking the risk” comment…and towards the end of race 3…he DID NOT take the risk (which was smart).

 

I strongly disagree with the lap, what if Cooper Webb crashes on start and rebounds in front of the leaders? Is he out?
2 laps down makes sense, get them off. 

Friese got 12th, lapped within the closing laps. What difference does it really make with lappers. 

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30minmotos
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3/8/2026 7:20am
steveloyer wrote:
I think 15-rider mains only, top 13 get points, and an additional purse makes sense.  At the same time, Vince went 15-15-12.  He beat Factory Kawis...

I think 15-rider mains only, top 13 get points, and an additional purse makes sense.  

At the same time, Vince went 15-15-12.  He beat Factory Kawis Marchbanks.  So this doesnt solve what people are mad about. 

Idk what you do

TeamGreen wrote:
But, he did get lapped; so, under the proposed changes…he’s out.Also, under proposed “% of  lap time” rules, he’d likely be out.Everyone’s making their point due...

But, he did get lapped; so, under the proposed changes…he’s out.

Also, under proposed “% of  lap time” rules, he’d likely be out.

Everyone’s making their point due to Eli; but, what about the simple fact that Hunter “clipped lapped rider Cole Thompson in the second race shortly after Tomac's close call.” That quotation is from Racer X. It does point out that the responsibility works both ways and Eli even makes that point with his “taking the risk” comment…and towards the end of race 3…he DID NOT take the risk (which was smart).

 

They’re only having to take a risk because the series puts them at risk by allowing the huge speed differences…

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oceantrav
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3/8/2026 7:26am

Needs to be 14 man main events or so.


No one is watching the lappers except the family and friends of them. Even family/friends are Probaly focusing on the top guys lol 

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gt80rider
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3/8/2026 7:34am

Maybe don't have 47 second arenacross lap times??? Just saynnn.... 

 

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soggy
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3/8/2026 7:35am
gt80rider wrote:

Maybe don't have 47 second arenacross lap times??? Just saynnn.... 

 

Wow very constructive gay80rider

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30minmotos
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3/8/2026 7:37am
gt80rider wrote:

Maybe don't have 47 second arenacross lap times??? Just saynnn.... 

 

soggy wrote:

Wow very constructive gay80rider

He’s right tho…. Do 2-3 row starts and gain an entire extra lane instead of wasting it all for a 22 wide start gate and wow imagine that we could have had a 57 second lap time…

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vdrsnk04
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3/8/2026 7:44am

VitalMX normally: Man, the gates aren’t even being filled, the sport is in a terrible place. Ya well the privateers don’t get paid so they don’t show up to race.

VitalMX this week: SX should go to a 15 man gate, these privateers are just getting in the way.


Classic VitalMX lol, nobody is ever happy.

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ajk423
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3/8/2026 7:46am

For penalty,  if its obvious youre impeding a battle for a position,  you get fined the difference. For example the difference from 1st to 2nd is what, 50k?. Then thats the penalty. 

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KurtJ99
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3/8/2026 7:46am

Like the Bondo thread, a lapper thread should be perpetual. Same old ideas, same old concerns. The question I have is will there ever be meaningful change, not what it should be. All of the proposals have viewer(Feld) and/or rider consequences. 

soggy
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3/8/2026 7:47am Edited Date/Time 3/8/2026 7:50am
gt80rider wrote:

Maybe don't have 47 second arenacross lap times??? Just saynnn.... 

 

soggy wrote:

Wow very constructive gay80rider

30minmotos wrote:
He’s right tho…. Do 2-3 row starts and gain an entire extra lane instead of wasting it all for a 22 wide start gate and wow...

He’s right tho…. Do 2-3 row starts and gain an entire extra lane instead of wasting it all for a 22 wide start gate and wow imagine that we could have had a 57 second lap time…

That’s not what he said though is it? We’ve had those lap times this year.


He just bitches and moans and offers no solution. 

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soggy
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3/8/2026 7:49am
vdrsnk04 wrote:
VitalMX normally: Man, the gates aren’t even being filled, the sport is in a terrible place. Ya well the privateers don’t get paid so they don’t...

VitalMX normally: Man, the gates aren’t even being filled, the sport is in a terrible place. Ya well the privateers don’t get paid so they don’t show up to race.

VitalMX this week: SX should go to a 15 man gate, these privateers are just getting in the way.


Classic VitalMX lol, nobody is ever happy.

The gates aren’t being filled?  wtf are you talking about. No one has said this about pro racing. 

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icantride
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3/8/2026 7:52am

For the " always the same guy " situation I agree with Eli. It is past time for real world punishment. He should miss a race, and be fined. Fining them makes the rider feel some real world punishment for that occurrence. Missing a race costs them again and financially hurts the team. Which should further the point of stop being an asshole. 

 

Them is Friese. The sport would not even miss him. Vitals forum maybe, the sport no. 

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3/8/2026 8:01am
icantride wrote:
For the " always the same guy " situation I agree with Eli. It is past time for real world punishment. He should miss a race...

For the " always the same guy " situation I agree with Eli. It is past time for real world punishment. He should miss a race, and be fined. Fining them makes the rider feel some real world punishment for that occurrence. Missing a race costs them again and financially hurts the team. Which should further the point of stop being an asshole. 

 

Them is Friese. The sport would not even miss him. Vitals forum maybe, the sport no. 

Wha would make that whole situation better would be let him drive all the way there and do practice then come night show time be like “nah you can sit this one out for riding like a jackass last weekend” 😂

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ForToo
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3/8/2026 8:02am Edited Date/Time 3/8/2026 8:03am

It's time to implement a one-way communication system that in conjunction with the transponders alerts riders of the following safety sensitive situations: 

1. Yield to the lead group whilst being lapped.

2. Red flag green flag white flag

3. Red Cross scenarios advising them of EMT on track/do not jump situations.

This could also inform racers of what lap they're on, gap to the next position, seconds behind leader, and lap times.

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3/8/2026 8:07am
soggy wrote:
I don’t think you can fit 22 mechanics in the tower and have them all be able to see the track and they’d constantly be moving...

I don’t think you can fit 22 mechanics in the tower and have them all be able to see the track and they’d constantly be moving around trying to keep an eye on there rider. Come on man let’s use our brains a little better than that. 

Ultimately it shouldn’t be up to the mechanic to tell the rider.  The only way to change it is to make the penalty so severe it will be a deterrent or remove riders from the track before they get lapped. 

How about say four Officials who monitor lappers and then inform them via Comms to move over to the left when the leaders are approaching?

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30minmotos
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3/8/2026 8:10am
soggy wrote:
I don’t think you can fit 22 mechanics in the tower and have them all be able to see the track and they’d constantly be moving...

I don’t think you can fit 22 mechanics in the tower and have them all be able to see the track and they’d constantly be moving around trying to keep an eye on there rider. Come on man let’s use our brains a little better than that. 

Ultimately it shouldn’t be up to the mechanic to tell the rider.  The only way to change it is to make the penalty so severe it will be a deterrent or remove riders from the track before they get lapped. 

Boomslang wrote:

How about say four Officials who monitor lappers and then inform them via Comms to move over to the left when the leaders are approaching?

Stop. Formula 1 might be a touch more sophisticated than us, maybe use their solution and tweak it to fit sx…

The 107% rule is there for this exact reason in f1. Their lap times are roughly 75 seconds, so for sx it would have to me more like 103-105% to be effective due to our lap times. But that’s the solution, nothing else.


If you aren’t on pace, you don’t get to be on track… it’s so logical it’s insane, and we are looking right past it.

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MPJC
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3/8/2026 8:25am
gt80rider wrote:

Maybe don't have 47 second arenacross lap times??? Just saynnn.... 

 

soggy wrote:

Wow very constructive gay80rider

Tomac mentioned the sub 50 second lap times so I don’t see why you’re being such a dick about it. 

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Zycki11
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3/8/2026 8:33am

A few easy fixes are slow the track down so it won’t have so many laps, and simply have a 2 lap rule. If you are lapped twice you get a new black/blue flag and off you go. 

Tracks really need to be better to slow the boys down and still make racing good. Easily obtainable but it appears we are just full steam ahead on the “it’s fine” train. 

Don’t get me started on the broadcast and Bondo plug. 

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CR92
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3/8/2026 9:38am
Like I said elsewhere, after the qualifying sessions, everyone out of the top 15, or outside a percentage of the best qualifying time, gets sent to...

Like I said elsewhere, after the qualifying sessions, everyone out of the top 15, or outside a percentage of the best qualifying time, gets sent to a race of their own.

Scrapping the LCQ.

I like this idea a lot. With this approach, why not scrap heat races and just run two mains instead? Something like two 10+2, 12+2, or 15+2 races.

Another idea I’ve had for a while: why not mount a small LED strip under the front of the visor that syncs with the bike’s transponder and flashes information to the rider?

It could simply use red, yellow, and blue. For red and yellow, a spotter or track official could trigger them by sector/small section so the light turns on when a rider enters that area and shuts off when they leave it. For blue, the transponders could handle it automatically based on proximity. When a leader is within ~100 feet or a section away from putting you a lap down.  Once they pass or move out of range, the light turns off.

We definitely have the technology for something like this. In fact, I'm pretty sure the GPS on my Garmin watch is good enough for this. 

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beamer
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3/8/2026 9:42am

They need to make this a major talking point at the riders meeting if they still have one . Call people out by name basically 

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Toste
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3/8/2026 9:49am
vdrsnk04 wrote:
VitalMX normally: Man, the gates aren’t even being filled, the sport is in a terrible place. Ya well the privateers don’t get paid so they don’t...

VitalMX normally: Man, the gates aren’t even being filled, the sport is in a terrible place. Ya well the privateers don’t get paid so they don’t show up to race.

VitalMX this week: SX should go to a 15 man gate, these privateers are just getting in the way.


Classic VitalMX lol, nobody is ever happy.

soggy wrote:

The gates aren’t being filled?  wtf are you talking about. No one has said this about pro racing. 

I've seen it here a lot, especially on threads pertaining to MXGP, the "fly away" races in particular. Any time there are fewer than 40 riders in 450 (everyone makes the night show) there is a lot of hand wringing here over it.

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Vditty459
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3/8/2026 10:03am

I think the black flagging of off pace riders and lappers is a good solution, however the amount of protests will be out of the park post race, seems implementation will prove to be a nightmare, somehow we need to get to place where there race pace riders on the track, now what happens when Cooper Webb (example) falls off pace and get's lapped? Does he get black flagged?? Pretty sticky scenario for sure, definitely needs some discussion, great feedback folks!

 

Vditty459
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3/8/2026 10:07am

Also one day format and TV broadcast narrows drastically expanding races to accommodate much needed changes

captmoto
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3/8/2026 10:18am
30minmotos wrote:
the fix is simple but moto is about as resistant to change as it is for boomers to admit they’re wrong.That percent would have to be...

the fix is simple but moto is about as resistant to change as it is for boomers to admit they’re wrong.


That percent would have to be adjusted based on track length, most likely, f1 tracks I’m willing to bet are fairly standardized lap times, where in sx we had a 1:20 Daytona lap time and we just had a 0:45 second Indy hockey rink joke lap time, and that’s with insanely rutted conditions and still 0:45 second laps.


Anyway read below, it’s amazing “we’ve gone to the moon level technology.” Or don’t, and stay a stubborn inbred because wHaaT aBoUt tHe pRiVaTeErS, omg my hero’s! 

IMG 6040 0

This Boomer thing you mentioned that has no relevance, have you told your parents and grandparents how much you hate them? 

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