Veteran SuperMotocross Racers Call for Harsher Penalties on Lapped Riders

Incidents at Indy Supercross raise concerns about safety and fairness for championship contenders

Mar. 12, 2026 at 10:10pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

During the Triple Crown-format Round 9 of the SuperMotocross World Championship at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, separate incidents in Race 2 had the potential to eliminate the two points leaders for the season. Veteran racers Eli Tomac and Cooper Webb called for harsher penalties on lapped riders who fail to maintain their line and get in the way of the leaders, arguing that it's an ongoing issue that puts championship contenders at risk.

Why it matters

Lapped riders are a common challenge in motorsports, but veteran SuperMotocross racers say the issue has become a recurring problem that threatens the fairness and safety of the championship. With the title race so close, any incidents caused by slower riders could have major implications for the outcome of the season.

The details

In the second feature, Eli Tomac narrowly avoided running into the back of Vince Friese, while a few minutes later, Hunter Lawrence was unable to avoid hitting Cole Thompson as he attempted to lap him. The contact with Thompson cost Lawrence a position on track. Tomac finished second overall, while Lawrence won the overall to extend his lead over Tomac to four points.

  • During Race 2 of the Indy Triple Crown on March 12, 2026

The players

Eli Tomac

A veteran SuperMotocross racer who finished second overall at the Indy Supercross event and called for harsher penalties on lapped riders.

Hunter Lawrence

The points leader in the SuperMotocross championship, who experienced an incident with a lapped rider during Race 2 that cost him a position.

Cole Thompson

A privateer rider who was involved in the incident with Lawrence, sparking criticism from the veteran racers.

Cooper Webb

A veteran SuperMotocross racer who echoed Tomac's calls for the series to implement harsher penalties on lapped riders.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“I don't mean to get on a rant, but it always seems to be the same repeat offenders on the lap traffic that are just pretty sketchy, and I know they got their race on, but I don't know, it's tricky and very unique for sure.”

— Hunter Lawrence

“I'm just a lapper in the way, apparently that means retire and get a real job. 'Cause god forbid I go racing outta the back of my van with no mechanic. Pay my money to race and try to compete with the best. Also does this mean I'm a privateer too? Ahhh dang, I should really pack my bags and quit, lol. Nobody racing wants to be in the way of the leaders but stuff happens.”

— Cole Thompson, Privateer Rider

“I was able to get to second at one point and then got balled up by lappers and paid the price for it. So, it was frustrating that way.”

— Eli Tomac

“And then I almost got taken out in the second moto by lappers. So, yeah, it's bad. It's bad. I think if the track [is] sub-50 seconds, make it a 15-man gate. I mean, they're just riders that are way off the pace of the top lead group.”

— Eli Tomac

“I heard [Tomac], and he's right. There should be penalties. There should be, whether it's money, because they clearly don't care about points, because they're not in the points. So, if you take their money away and that's how they live, then maybe they'll get it. I think it's unacceptable.”

— Cooper Webb

What’s next

The SuperMotocross World Championship sanctioning body will likely review the incidents and consider implementing harsher penalties for lapped riders who interfere with the leaders in an effort to improve safety and fairness in the championship.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the ongoing challenge of managing lapped traffic in motorsports, particularly in a close championship battle where any incidents can have major implications. The veteran racers' calls for action suggest the issue has become a persistent problem that the series needs to address to protect the integrity of the title race.