09/03/2026
Reality check for everyone complaining about lappers…
So here’s the truth: even the top 5 riders can become lappers at any moment.
A bad start, a crash, or a mechanical issue can change everything.
So let’s ask the question…
If Eli Tomac, Cooper Webb, or Jett Lawrence had a bad start, went down, and got lapped while running 45-second laps… should they be black flagged too?
How do you think the fans would react to that?
If a rider is on that gate, they earned it. Period.
One idea that actually makes sense is having a chalked lane on the side of the track — not on the main racing line.
Once a rider sees the blue flag, they must move into that lane until the leaders pass.
That could actually help everyone:
Leaders pass safely
Riders in their own battles aren’t constantly getting interrupted
And no passing inside that lane
And honestly, watching the privateers battle is part of what makes this sport great.
Just remember this:
Every single rider out there — no matter how fast — has been lapped at some point in their career.
Just my two cents… from a nobody.
