Lappers

truck
Posts
3449
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6/10/2015
Location
Louisville, KY US
Fantasy
3/8/2026 10:34am

Just penalize the shit heads that cause the problems week after week after week. Don't need new rules or ideas or less guys on the gate, just need to crush the repeat offenders. Suspend them for a few races and it hurts them, their team, their sponsors, and there might finally be motivation to change or to no longer hire these guys. It's embarrassing that our sanctioning body is docking guys positions for spinning their tire in the rut on practice starts but acts like they have no power to deal with dangerous riders. 

And did anyone catch the last line from hunter in the press conference? Mentioned maybe Jett would come back and get in some guys way if that's how it's gonna be. I'm here for it. And guys like Nichols and AP who have teammates in championship fight should be putting their front wheel into some tib/fibs every chance they get with a few of these guys. 

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mooch
Posts
1752
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2/16/2008
Location
OH US
Fantasy
3/8/2026 10:55am
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?

If lappers aren't obeying the flags, not sure why you think it would be any different having a person telling the same thing over comms? 

If the number of riders isn't reduced (doubt they'll do that) , the penalties for not obeying the flags needs to be harsh and strictly enforced . 

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30minmotos
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Location
Rising Sun , MD US
3/8/2026 10:57am
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

captmoto wrote:

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

I’ve specifically told them how happy and thankful I am that they aren’t selfish and brainwashed like most of their peers yes.

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otrdave
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Location
Venice, FL US
Fantasy
3/8/2026 10:57am

Maybe SX shouldn't be in such small venues?

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The Shop

Joey Bridges
Posts
9188
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Location
Kingston, TN US
3/8/2026 11:04am Edited Date/Time 3/8/2026 11:06am

IDKM, I'd be very disappointed if Jett came back and began playing blocking games.

Jett definitely knows better than to be making enemies on track, by being an enforcer, going into the outdoors

I get why Hunter "nudged" prado while passing. They guy's getting a rep for being a subtle little shit. And that's unfortunate. 

But that, hopefully, was a heat of the moment, comment by Hunter. 

 

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3/8/2026 11:17am

Interesting people bringing up f1 107% rule when they ignored it this weekend and let stroll rave when he hadn’t set that tone through any practice and qualifying session 

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vdrsnk04
Posts
1992
Joined
9/5/2018
Location
IL US
3/8/2026 11:39am
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. 

It’s been mentioned almost weekly multiple times in the race night threads on Saturday during RDL and the night show.

3/8/2026 12:04pm

I agree 100% with what Eli said in the press conference and was both surprised and very happy he said it. He was pissed but of a very clear mind on what needs to be done.

I'm a tradition guy, keep things the same but at a certain point last year during the Nationals I started thinking they should go to a 30 rider gate, probably after watching a lot of MXGP races. Less guys going into the first turn and lets be honest, any rider past 30th place is just happy to say he made a moto.

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Sidewinder 1
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Bossier City, LA US
3/8/2026 12:36pm

So if I’m about to get lapped now I’m going to race the leader even harder not to be black flagged. Does this not make it unfair to the leader as no one else will has to deal with this? There has to be a better way.

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3/8/2026 12:50pm

Two laps down and you’re off the track. Also need to penalize riders ignoring blue flags and not yielding to the leaders with race suspensions. Points mean absolutely nothing to them. They care more about the $500 bonus they get from their team for finishing 19th over 20th than the livelihood of the best racers. 

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1
The Wolf Man
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Location
Suburb, NSW AU
3/8/2026 1:12pm
IDKM, I'd be very disappointed if Jett came back and began playing blocking games.Jett definitely knows better than to be making enemies on track, by being...

IDKM, I'd be very disappointed if Jett came back and began playing blocking games.

Jett definitely knows better than to be making enemies on track, by being an enforcer, going into the outdoors

I get why Hunter "nudged" prado while passing. They guy's getting a rep for being a subtle little shit. And that's unfortunate. 

But that, hopefully, was a heat of the moment, comment by Hunter. 

 

Prado had the same rep in MXGP - he's been doing this kind of shit for years...

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3
Not hillbilly
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Gaithersburg, MD US
3/8/2026 1:35pm

I think 10 rider mains would work, along with points only for the top 5, points for the too 10 times in practice, and winner takes 100% of the purse. Fix a lot of things at once.

Oh yeah: Consolation main for the slower riders, with a purse that pays top 20.

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OwenJakes
Posts
1642
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Location
sebree, KY US
3/8/2026 1:49pm

Psh, you couldn’t survive a kamikaze cross jump? Just get better, it’s a skill needed as a pro. 

Yeah this is the approach. 

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OwenJakes
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sebree, KY US
3/8/2026 1:52pm
I agree 100% with what Eli said in the press conference and was both surprised and very happy he said it. He was pissed but of...

I agree 100% with what Eli said in the press conference and was both surprised and very happy he said it. He was pissed but of a very clear mind on what needs to be done.

I'm a tradition guy, keep things the same but at a certain point last year during the Nationals I started thinking they should go to a 30 rider gate, probably after watching a lot of MXGP races. Less guys going into the first turn and lets be honest, any rider past 30th place is just happy to say he made a moto.

Some of the guys in the 30-40 range in outdoors are running laps 20 seconds off the leaders. I honestly have no idea how they became pro. 

Do you have to maintain your pro card at all or can you get it and just drop the anchor and make races if you qualify?

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Windhamfan
Posts
98
Joined
9/1/2018
Location
Mount Pleasant, SC US
3/8/2026 1:57pm

Is it possible to have a wheels on the ground rule with lappers? Kind of like the medic flag? If a lappers gets the blue flag, they must roll the upcoming section or get black flagged the next time around. 

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2
3/8/2026 1:59pm Edited Date/Time 3/8/2026 2:02pm

No.  Rider lapped = rider exits race.

For example, Can you imagine the leader trying to lap/ pass Vince, if Vince knows he is going out!

That will never work.

Leave it as it is, for the amount of lappers, there aren't too many issues, this is part of Pro race craft, part of racing.

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3
3/8/2026 2:03pm Edited Date/Time 3/8/2026 2:10pm

it’s crazy how the history of the sport, including CircusCross has only recently, lappers been such a cause for alarm and hysteria. The rider count could be knocked down to an exclusive 10, then watch them lap up to 4th/5th and people would be crying about that too. Higher speeds and the same scenario happens. Ridiculous, crying about lappers is getting old. Feld isn’t going to support an alternate B main, money and timing will be an issue, then why would riders bother. 

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soggy
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UT US
3/8/2026 2:34pm
Zycki11 wrote:
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...

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. 

How does the two lap role solve anything. The same incident with Friese would have happened with that in place. 

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2
3/8/2026 3:19pm Edited Date/Time 3/8/2026 4:42pm

Yeah, cuz the leaders have never ran into each other or zigged when they should have zagged. Look left and the top 10 guy goes right. 

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1
Racerman967
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Location
Littleton, CO US
3/8/2026 4:12pm
scott_nz wrote:
Interesting people bringing up f1 107% rule when they ignored it this weekend and let stroll rave when he hadn’t set that tone through any practice...

Interesting people bringing up f1 107% rule when they ignored it this weekend and let stroll rave when he hadn’t set that tone through any practice and qualifying session 

Because his teammate in the same car was quick enough. In regards to lappers in a triple crown if you go a lap down you are done and locked in. in a 20 lap main 2 laps down and you are done. You would likely not have anyone off for the first 7-10 laps without a crash. But if the last 3 laps result in only 12-15 riders on the track it would alleviate a lot of the problems. 

Motodude
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5166
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Location
Sydney AU
3/8/2026 4:18pm
Old Dude wrote:

In addition to having fewer riders on the gate, what about flagging the last-place rider off the course on each lap after lap two?

 

Better would be getting black flagged when its obvious youre about to get lapped. Instant pulling off the track.

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FI2T
Posts
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Location
Kennewick, WA US
3/8/2026 6:42pm

Maybe a premier class?

kpiper
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2350
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Location
AZ US
3/8/2026 7:14pm Edited Date/Time 3/8/2026 7:14pm

How about just suspending Friese for two races? End of story. If he does it again, then he is out for four races. If you are getting lapped and you don't get out of the way, then you are out for the next race or two. 

This would solve the problem as it would make them pay attention. Pretty simple.

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1
3/8/2026 7:53pm
kpiper wrote:
How about just suspending Friese for two races? End of story. If he does it again, then he is out for four races. If you are...

How about just suspending Friese for two races? End of story. If he does it again, then he is out for four races. If you are getting lapped and you don't get out of the way, then you are out for the next race or two. 

This would solve the problem as it would make them pay attention. Pretty simple.

Apparently Friese, Moranz and Thompson did nothing wrong (according to AMA) and didn’t even get penalized any of the bullshit license points. So expect nothing different moving forward. 

3
3/8/2026 8:25pm
IDKM, I'd be very disappointed if Jett came back and began playing blocking games.Jett definitely knows better than to be making enemies on track, by being...

IDKM, I'd be very disappointed if Jett came back and began playing blocking games.

Jett definitely knows better than to be making enemies on track, by being an enforcer, going into the outdoors

I get why Hunter "nudged" prado while passing. They guy's getting a rep for being a subtle little shit. And that's unfortunate. 

But that, hopefully, was a heat of the moment, comment by Hunter. 

 

Prado had the same rep in MXGP - he's been doing this kind of shit for years...

Caroli said when they were teammates and it was the season Herlings vs Caroli the whole season. Prado would holeshot, hold up Caroli. Block him and shit. But would move over for Jeffrey. Crazy

kpiper
Posts
2350
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3/20/2019
Location
AZ US
3/8/2026 8:26pm
kpiper wrote:
How about just suspending Friese for two races? End of story. If he does it again, then he is out for four races. If you are...

How about just suspending Friese for two races? End of story. If he does it again, then he is out for four races. If you are getting lapped and you don't get out of the way, then you are out for the next race or two. 

This would solve the problem as it would make them pay attention. Pretty simple.

TheMilkman wrote:
Apparently Friese, Moranz and Thompson did nothing wrong (according to AMA) and didn’t even get penalized any of the bullshit license points. So expect nothing different...

Apparently Friese, Moranz and Thompson did nothing wrong (according to AMA) and didn’t even get penalized any of the bullshit license points. So expect nothing different moving forward. 

Friese has a long history of doing dumb things, and you are totally right, he will just keep doing this BS since there are no consequences for him.

1
kpiper
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2350
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Location
AZ US
3/8/2026 8:30pm Edited Date/Time 3/8/2026 8:35pm

I love privateers and want them in the races (used to be one myself) BUT they need to pay attention and get out of the way when they are being lapped. The AMA just needs to make an example of a few egregious cases (Vince) and things will get better.

No, it doesn't matter that you are 'racing' for 15th place (or whatever), you have to get out of the way if you are a lapper.

Zycki11
Posts
7675
Joined
4/1/2008
Location
Edwardsville, IL US
3/8/2026 9:06pm
Zycki11 wrote:
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...

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. 

soggy wrote:

How does the two lap role solve anything. The same incident with Friese would have happened with that in place. 

Well Soggy, it is pretty simple the two lap rule simply frees up space for the guys still racing to race. If Friese is one of the guys, it won't hardly matter.  The AMA seems to lean on doing the wrong thing 99% of the time instead of taking proper action and keeping the sport legitimate. From a racer stand point, the two lap rule would also be a safety concern with guys simply rolling around.

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sumdood
Posts
8578
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3/11/2013
Location
San Clemente, CA US
Fantasy
3/9/2026 9:17am
So if I’m about to get lapped now I’m going to race the leader even harder not to be black flagged. Does this not make it...

So if I’m about to get lapped now I’m going to race the leader even harder not to be black flagged. Does this not make it unfair to the leader as no one else will has to deal with this? There has to be a better way.

What if.... 😄  they had 2 designated "exit" spots on opposite sides of the track, as soon as the leader gets within 15 seconds of a lapper he gets black flagged, and has a red light on his cross bar that lights up as well, similar to the green leader light. It could even be automated. Then that rider has to exit at the next "Exit area" and whatever position they're in is where they finish. Get them off the track before they're a problem. No more blue flags just black. 

Then if they don't have a big claw drop down and pluck them out of the way lol   

 

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