JT's opinion on Lappers

Justthefacts
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Just listened to his take on lappers.  I was 100% with him, until he expected the usual suspects to care and feel bad. The one's I speak of give 2 F's.  Until there's a penalty, they won't change.  0% chance.  Jmho.  

https://youtu.be/cAe6W94omkQ?si=ykeNXAVBejEfKxmH

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msp332
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3/15/2026 1:55pm

Agree. The system is flawed.

IMO start with the riders going down multiple laps. Houston '21 had Dean Wilson get right in the way of Roczen and allowed Webb to pass. Bogle was going 2 laps down and Wilson thought the blue flag was for Bogle, not for him.

I don't think 15-rider mains would be best, but cutting 22 back down to 20 would move the problem in the right direction.

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Justthefacts
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3/15/2026 1:59pm

I had also mentioned a couple posts back, a front bumper blue light and make it flash when they get close type thing would go a long ways. 

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jettlover
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3/15/2026 2:09pm

Okay— I honestly am a purist, but I think an A main and a B main would be slick. Maybe some provisions someway, I don’t know. But it would benefit the sponsors. More podium interviews etc. 

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3/15/2026 2:11pm
jettlover wrote:
Okay— I honestly am a purist, but I think an A main and a B main would be slick. Maybe some provisions someway, I don’t know...

Okay— I honestly am a purist, but I think an A main and a B main would be slick. Maybe some provisions someway, I don’t know. But it would benefit the sponsors. More podium interviews etc. 

There already is a B main, it's called the 250 class

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The Shop

uncledaddy69
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3/15/2026 2:27pm

All lappers should go to a communist style reeducation camp taught by the AMA for however long it takes them to finally understand that they need to get out the way. When they return to racing, John Starling should be legally allowed to shoot any lapper who fails to yield in the back of the head, execution style. This will finally make them take it more serious and understand the mantra of, “there’s a race going on and you’re not in it.”

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3/15/2026 2:41pm

I think we can solve this with technology..

Every rider has a transponder and those green lights nowdays… so, as a rider is about to get lapped, they can have a blue light somewhere - crossbar, under the visor etc, whatever works. The light goes blue whenever someone from the lead lap is within X amount of seconds from them, so say the leader has a 20 second lead, as soon as they go by, the blue lights come off until second comes up to them. 

Simple rule, no passing when a rider has a blue light. 
Sometimes the flags are out all over the place and too early so it’s confusing for these riders.

Penalties need to be harsher, if you pass on blue, or interfere with a race it needs to be more than just license points

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agn5008
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Fantasy
3/15/2026 2:43pm Edited Date/Time 3/15/2026 2:46pm
jettlover wrote:
Okay— I honestly am a purist, but I think an A main and a B main would be slick. Maybe some provisions someway, I don’t know...

Okay— I honestly am a purist, but I think an A main and a B main would be slick. Maybe some provisions someway, I don’t know. But it would benefit the sponsors. More podium interviews etc. 

There already is a B main, it's called the 250 class

No, the 250 class is the 250 class. We don’t consider the 65cc class the B main to the 85cc class. It’s a smaller displacement class typically for younger riders who haven’t yet graduated to the 450 class. It has absolutely nothing to do with skill level. If it did, we would have had guys like the Lawrence bros, Tomac, Deegan, Webb, Roczen, Carmichael, Stewart, Dungey, Villopoto, etc start right out in the 450 class coming out of amateurs.  A “B main” would include guys who simply aren’t as good as the guys in the “A” main. That absolutely 100% is NOT what the 250 class is. 

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JB 19
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3/15/2026 2:52pm

I don't really know what the answer is and don't want to step on toes,  but i do know that as a fan,  I'm not buying tickets or watching live TV to see Friese or Cole Thompson or any other guy who is going to be a lap down by the end.    I want to watch the top 10, who i consider the best in the world.  

This  sport needs to learn how to get out of its own way.  The saying,  "that's always been part of it" makes me embarrassed everytime I hear it.   Between safety issues and lappers getting the way of world class athletes, just saying that's always been part of it is so ridiculous.  

15th -20th at Indy was going so slow compared to the leaders that they literally couldn't get out of the way.   There were guys rolling around and cross jumping all over the place because they couldn't put the rhythms together in the ruts.  Moto GP doesn't have guys rolling around at half speed because someone will actually get killed.  We aren't far off from the same thing.  

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3/15/2026 3:40pm

Anyone catch Jordon Smith's tweet? 1000002330 0.png?VersionId=dlH7rYc8TJNjxcD3j2q0ReAiLaqvt

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jemcee
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3/15/2026 4:30pm
Anyone catch Jordon Smith's tweet?

Anyone catch Jordon Smith's tweet? 1000002330 0.png?VersionId=dlH7rYc8TJNjxcD3j2q0ReAiLaqvt

I've thought this too.. Some of the guys aren't THAT much slower so they could be in the same lane as the leader for half a lap without NEEDING to move yet.. 

I like the idea of a light and this might be going too far but have it solid if a leader is coming alone but flash if there's more than one in a battle..

I also think there should be a 'lapper lane' where they pull off and roll along until the leader/s pass.. Again that would need better coordination of when to activate the light 

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3/15/2026 4:52pm
jettlover wrote:
Okay— I honestly am a purist, but I think an A main and a B main would be slick. Maybe some provisions someway, I don’t know...

Okay— I honestly am a purist, but I think an A main and a B main would be slick. Maybe some provisions someway, I don’t know. But it would benefit the sponsors. More podium interviews etc. 

What would they do on a triple crown night? 3 450 "A" mains, and 3 450 "B" mains, then 3 250 mains?

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gt80rider
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3/15/2026 5:04pm

Since when has feld proven they give two fs?? Never... nothing will change in this chit show... 

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jettlover
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3/15/2026 5:10pm
jettlover wrote:
Okay— I honestly am a purist, but I think an A main and a B main would be slick. Maybe some provisions someway, I don’t know...

Okay— I honestly am a purist, but I think an A main and a B main would be slick. Maybe some provisions someway, I don’t know. But it would benefit the sponsors. More podium interviews etc. 

joelster wrote:

What would they do on a triple crown night? 3 450 "A" mains, and 3 450 "B" mains, then 3 250 mains?

Sure. Sounds like more racing to enjoy Smile

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ob
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3/15/2026 5:11pm

Lappers are a part of the sport. Lappers make the racing more exciting. Live with it 

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dingaling
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3/15/2026 6:05pm

The whole system is heavily flawed. Volunteer flaggers, AMA clowns with inconsistent inconsequential penalities, short lap times, the repeat offender riders/teams not giving a damn, the culture of moto seemingly prioritising privateers over top riders etc. There's alot at play but ultimately the faults are at the top, AMA. It's a clown show. 

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Pop Shmoke
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3/15/2026 6:22pm

I actually thought of making a post about this too, it was so bad. He completely contradicted himself with his take. He first said vince is one of those riders who never learns from his mistakes and doesnt care so he just keeps doing the same thing over and over and wont change on his own. So the interviewer then asked what should be done about it fines or points and then JT says its up to the rider to decide they want to be better. That makes absolutely no sense, JT literally just said hes not going to change unless someone makes him, then said its up to vince to change. No… 

Vinces argument is always that hes out there putting food on the table and money in his pocket so hell do anything to get it. Kenny, AC, and JB got this one right 99% of the lappers do the right thing its always the same couple guys causing problems. The way it is now after a bunch of warnings you MIGHT lose a gate pick. As Brayton said no lappers cares about going from 18th to 19th gate pick. For the couple guys who always cause problems you gotta fine them. You dont fine them right off the bat but a guy like vince who just keeps doing it over and over and over hes gotta get fined. Then if he does it again fine him again. Thats the only thing thats actually gonna change his behavior. If he knows hes actually going to lose money by being an idiot out there hell actually have to think twice for once. 


 

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dsmith
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3/15/2026 6:40pm

Whenever they can have communication with riders in the helmets..they can just say..ok stop now/move over ..

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Sully
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3/15/2026 6:55pm
Pop Shmoke wrote:
I actually thought of making a post about this too, it was so bad. He completely contradicted himself with his take. He first said vince is...

I actually thought of making a post about this too, it was so bad. He completely contradicted himself with his take. He first said vince is one of those riders who never learns from his mistakes and doesnt care so he just keeps doing the same thing over and over and wont change on his own. So the interviewer then asked what should be done about it fines or points and then JT says its up to the rider to decide they want to be better. That makes absolutely no sense, JT literally just said hes not going to change unless someone makes him, then said its up to vince to change. No… 

Vinces argument is always that hes out there putting food on the table and money in his pocket so hell do anything to get it. Kenny, AC, and JB got this one right 99% of the lappers do the right thing its always the same couple guys causing problems. The way it is now after a bunch of warnings you MIGHT lose a gate pick. As Brayton said no lappers cares about going from 18th to 19th gate pick. For the couple guys who always cause problems you gotta fine them. You dont fine them right off the bat but a guy like vince who just keeps doing it over and over and over hes gotta get fined. Then if he does it again fine him again. Thats the only thing thats actually gonna change his behavior. If he knows hes actually going to lose money by being an idiot out there hell actually have to think twice for once. 


 

For the repeat offenders (read: Vince Friese), first offense should be a fine ($1k so they actually feel it), second offense should be a one race suspension, and if there's a third offense, they've proven they don't learn lessons, so bench them for the remainder of the season across all AMA sanctioned events. 

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3/15/2026 7:00pm
I think we can solve this with technology..Every rider has a transponder and those green lights nowdays… so, as a rider is about to get lapped...

I think we can solve this with technology..

Every rider has a transponder and those green lights nowdays… so, as a rider is about to get lapped, they can have a blue light somewhere - crossbar, under the visor etc, whatever works. The light goes blue whenever someone from the lead lap is within X amount of seconds from them, so say the leader has a 20 second lead, as soon as they go by, the blue lights come off until second comes up to them. 

Simple rule, no passing when a rider has a blue light. 
Sometimes the flags are out all over the place and too early so it’s confusing for these riders.

Penalties need to be harsher, if you pass on blue, or interfere with a race it needs to be more than just license points

Not sure why this is down voted. I think this could help and it would automate the process, as long as it's not too distracting. It'd suck if they malfunctioned though and didn't turn on or stayed on. There have been transponder issues in the past so I could see that being a concern but I think something like this is worth considering. Same thing could be used for caution and red cross situations with a yellow and red light.

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ando
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3/15/2026 7:19pm
Pop Shmoke wrote:
I actually thought of making a post about this too, it was so bad. He completely contradicted himself with his take. He first said vince is...

I actually thought of making a post about this too, it was so bad. He completely contradicted himself with his take. He first said vince is one of those riders who never learns from his mistakes and doesnt care so he just keeps doing the same thing over and over and wont change on his own. So the interviewer then asked what should be done about it fines or points and then JT says its up to the rider to decide they want to be better. That makes absolutely no sense, JT literally just said hes not going to change unless someone makes him, then said its up to vince to change. No… 

Vinces argument is always that hes out there putting food on the table and money in his pocket so hell do anything to get it. Kenny, AC, and JB got this one right 99% of the lappers do the right thing its always the same couple guys causing problems. The way it is now after a bunch of warnings you MIGHT lose a gate pick. As Brayton said no lappers cares about going from 18th to 19th gate pick. For the couple guys who always cause problems you gotta fine them. You dont fine them right off the bat but a guy like vince who just keeps doing it over and over and over hes gotta get fined. Then if he does it again fine him again. Thats the only thing thats actually gonna change his behavior. If he knows hes actually going to lose money by being an idiot out there hell actually have to think twice for once. 


 

Fines are generally a pretty poor deterrent for professional athletes.  Better to suspend them.

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3/15/2026 7:28pm
I think we can solve this with technology..Every rider has a transponder and those green lights nowdays… so, as a rider is about to get lapped...

I think we can solve this with technology..

Every rider has a transponder and those green lights nowdays… so, as a rider is about to get lapped, they can have a blue light somewhere - crossbar, under the visor etc, whatever works. The light goes blue whenever someone from the lead lap is within X amount of seconds from them, so say the leader has a 20 second lead, as soon as they go by, the blue lights come off until second comes up to them. 

Simple rule, no passing when a rider has a blue light. 
Sometimes the flags are out all over the place and too early so it’s confusing for these riders.

Penalties need to be harsher, if you pass on blue, or interfere with a race it needs to be more than just license points

Not sure why this is down voted. I think this could help and it would automate the process, as long as it's not too distracting. It'd...

Not sure why this is down voted. I think this could help and it would automate the process, as long as it's not too distracting. It'd suck if they malfunctioned though and didn't turn on or stayed on. There have been transponder issues in the past so I could see that being a concern but I think something like this is worth considering. Same thing could be used for caution and red cross situations with a yellow and red light.

I think one of the key issues is people use the blue flags to their advantage, and sometimes people have to race defensively even though the leaders are coming through because one of those people that take advantage are right behind them.. there should be a no passing while being lapped rule

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3/15/2026 7:41pm Edited Date/Time 3/15/2026 7:42pm
I think we can solve this with technology..Every rider has a transponder and those green lights nowdays… so, as a rider is about to get lapped...

I think we can solve this with technology..

Every rider has a transponder and those green lights nowdays… so, as a rider is about to get lapped, they can have a blue light somewhere - crossbar, under the visor etc, whatever works. The light goes blue whenever someone from the lead lap is within X amount of seconds from them, so say the leader has a 20 second lead, as soon as they go by, the blue lights come off until second comes up to them. 

Simple rule, no passing when a rider has a blue light. 
Sometimes the flags are out all over the place and too early so it’s confusing for these riders.

Penalties need to be harsher, if you pass on blue, or interfere with a race it needs to be more than just license points

Not sure why this is down voted. I think this could help and it would automate the process, as long as it's not too distracting. It'd...

Not sure why this is down voted. I think this could help and it would automate the process, as long as it's not too distracting. It'd suck if they malfunctioned though and didn't turn on or stayed on. There have been transponder issues in the past so I could see that being a concern but I think something like this is worth considering. Same thing could be used for caution and red cross situations with a yellow and red light.

I think one of the key issues is people use the blue flags to their advantage, and sometimes people have to race defensively even though the...

I think one of the key issues is people use the blue flags to their advantage, and sometimes people have to race defensively even though the leaders are coming through because one of those people that take advantage are right behind them.. there should be a no passing while being lapped rule

Yeah thats definitely an issue but that could be solved just as easy as telling the blue light to turn on when a leader is within x amount of seconds.

When the blue light is on, if a rider makes a pass, that could be detected automatically by comparing the moment a pass was made and if it was while the blue light is on. 

Then you could use fail safe that detects if a rider is moving for passes that are made if a rider goes down. In other words, leader behind you, blue light turns on for two different riders. One of those riders goes down, movement stopped detected. So when the rider makes the pass, it's not penalized. 

A lot of things are becoming automated in the world. I believe in baseball they will be using an automated pitching system soon instead of umpires. They've been testing it in college. It only makes sense to automate as much as possible if it can be accurate enough and mutually agreed upon. 

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Not hillbilly
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3/15/2026 8:19pm

Make it a $10k fine and watch Vince stop immediately 

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zehn
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3/15/2026 8:41pm
Yeah thats definitely an issue but that could be solved just as easy as telling the blue light to turn on when a leader is within...

Yeah thats definitely an issue but that could be solved just as easy as telling the blue light to turn on when a leader is within x amount of seconds.

When the blue light is on, if a rider makes a pass, that could be detected automatically by comparing the moment a pass was made and if it was while the blue light is on. 

Then you could use fail safe that detects if a rider is moving for passes that are made if a rider goes down. In other words, leader behind you, blue light turns on for two different riders. One of those riders goes down, movement stopped detected. So when the rider makes the pass, it's not penalized. 

A lot of things are becoming automated in the world. I believe in baseball they will be using an automated pitching system soon instead of umpires. They've been testing it in college. It only makes sense to automate as much as possible if it can be accurate enough and mutually agreed upon. 

AMA struggles to implement warning lights on jump takeoffs and you want them to implement this system? C’mon man 

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dingaling
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3/16/2026 4:08am
zehn wrote:

AMA struggles to implement warning lights on jump takeoffs and you want them to implement this system? C’mon man 

Agreed. 

As long as the current AMA management personnel and culture is the same there will always be problems. 

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face biter
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3/16/2026 4:54am
jettlover wrote:
Okay— I honestly am a purist, but I think an A main and a B main would be slick. Maybe some provisions someway, I don’t know...

Okay— I honestly am a purist, but I think an A main and a B main would be slick. Maybe some provisions someway, I don’t know. But it would benefit the sponsors. More podium interviews etc. 

They do have a B main, it’s the LCQ. 

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3/16/2026 6:22am

Black flag, stop and go penalty for not observing the blue flag. Decisive and easy to manage.

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8tensolutions
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3/16/2026 6:23am
gt80rider wrote:

Since when has feld proven they give two fs?? Never... nothing will change in this chit show... 

Feld doesn't have anything to do with penalties or rules.  The AMA handles the rules, number of riders, and penalties. 

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BoxcarWilly
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3/16/2026 6:39am

I can't blame the privateers. If Feld wants to pay me $800 for 16th place, I'm not moving an inch for someone who flew there in a private plane. Sorry not sorry, go around me. 

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MOTO13
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3/16/2026 6:43am
I can't blame the privateers. If Feld wants to pay me $800 for 16th place, I'm not moving an inch for someone who flew there in...

I can't blame the privateers. If Feld wants to pay me $800 for 16th place, I'm not moving an inch for someone who flew there in a private plane. Sorry not sorry, go around me. 

If you're in 16th place and being lapped, unless you've crashed...you have no business being on the track. And you sb required to get out of the way of the leaders or be financially and points penalized. 

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