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You cannot solve the lapper issue until there’s recognition that this is no longer a privateer game. Yes I understand the history and the romantic notion of the privateer getting a shot at the top level. However this is now an elite level motorsport. There’s got to be some much higher level of qualification. And the argument that the gap between these fringe riders and the average joe is huge holds no water. You know what else is huge - the gap between the top guys the fringe riders. There’s becoming too many compromises to cater for guys that are...

Fewer riders on the track is the only way to limit the discrepancy in leader-to-lapper pace. No amount of special flags, alternate lines, or age limits will change anything.

Many don’t get the irony. This is the elite level of our sport and people are complaining that it’s too expensive for the average pro to enter.

Look up him and Jeffrey Herlings in what I think was his MXGP debut. Prado cross jumped herlings and took them both out over the finish line, while being on the same team.

Prado doesn't strike me as the type to intentionally help out a teammate. I think it's pure luck if Eli or anyone else gets by him quickly and cleanly. I doubt he and Eli have ever even had a conversation.

We*

Exactly. Prado’s history of this is well known in the paddock both here & across the sea.

Technically speaking, AP jumped onto KR. Reason Friese is getting heat and KR isn't... 1. Friese was a lapper in his situation; KR was battling for position with the top end of the field. 2. Friese cross jumped, which he does commonly. That's a huge no-go in the eyes of riders and fans alike. Roczen clipped the off on the on-off, lost drive, and wasn't able to triple the rhythm.

We have a place called the Dumbgeon...and this really does belong there.

Elite level 450 riders that are contending for the most premier championship in motocross shouldn't have to put up with this shit.

It’s really quite amazing…. SX is not a thing at all in NZ the only track we have is townleys private one which is where Cole cut his teeth. Whoop speed is out of this world, he’s making BT look darn good at his job. I’m just stoked to have a kiwi contender to root for again, it’s been 20 years. Kid has got some spunk - I like the CR22 comparison, style for Miles… might get in the big class just as quickly too.

Cole isnt comfortable in front of a camera, and some of his answers are just awkwardness, it's like when people ask him questions he feels like he is getting attacked. Pretty hard to go from little NZ to being a star almost overnight. He will get better with time, he's still just a kid.

In 1984, Mike Beier finished third in the 125 nationals behind only Jeff Ward and Johnny O'Mara. Dude drove himself around the country in Clark W. Griswald's family truckster and took showers in the La Brea tar pits. Now, THAT was a privateer.

And SMX Next lead gets more coverage than tenth in 450.