Ricky Carmichael Fires Back at Cooper Webb: ‘Lappers Are Part of the Sport!’
The debate over lappers in motocross has reignited, and this time, it’s sparked a war of words between two of the sport’s biggest names—Ricky Carmichael and Cooper Webb. Webb recently made headlines by calling for harsher penalties on lapped riders, claiming that they interfere with race leaders and disrupt championship battles. But Carmichael isn’t having it.
In a recent interview, the GOAT himself pushed back against Webb’s stance, arguing that dealing with lappers is simply part of what makes motocross racing a true test of skill. “Motocross isn’t just about twisting the throttle and hitting your marks,” Carmichael said. “It’s about managing traffic, making quick decisions, and staying mentally tough. If you can’t handle lappers, maybe you’re not as good as you think.”
Carmichael, who dominated the sport in the early 2000s, pointed out that every great champion has faced lappers and still found ways to win. “Look at any season I raced—there were always lappers. James Stewart, Chad Reed, Jeremy McGrath before me, we all had to deal with them. But we didn’t whine about it; we found a way to make the pass and keep moving.”
A Call for Tougher Racing, Not Rule Changes
Webb, a two-time Supercross champion, has argued that lapped riders should be penalized if they don’t move aside quickly, suggesting that race officials need to enforce blue flag rules more aggressively. He even hinted at possible time penalties for repeat offenders.
Carmichael, however, believes such measures would be unfair and would take away a crucial aspect of racing. “These guys are out there fighting for their own positions, too. Not everyone is a factory rider making millions. You’ve got privateers out there battling for points, bonuses, and their careers. Expecting them to just roll over and let the leaders through is ridiculous.”
Racing Is About Adaptability
Carmichael also argued that lappers can be a strategic challenge rather than an obstacle. “Look, if you’re leading a race, and you come up on lappers, that’s your chance to separate yourself from the guy behind you. If you navigate them better than your competition, that’s an advantage, not a disadvantage.”
He went on to remind fans that some of the most legendary races in motocross history have included intense battles through lapped traffic. “The best know how to use them to their advantage. That’s what separates a good racer from a great one.”
Where the Sport Goes from Here
With two of the biggest voices in the sport at odds, the debate over lappers is far from over. Webb’s push for penalties may gain traction, but Carmichael’s stance is clear—motocross is supposed to be tough, and the best riders don’t ask for rule changes; they adapt and find ways to win.
So the question remains: should lapped riders be penalized, or should champions learn to deal with them? If you ask Ricky Carmichael, the answer is simple—if you can’t handle lappers, maybe you don’t deserve to win.
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