Cooper Webb blasts Lapper Jeremy Hand over his collision with Ken Roczen at Tampa Supercross

The 2025 Tampa Supercross was another thrilling round in the ongoing championship race, but it was overshadowed by a dramatic moment involving lappers that had a significant impact on Ken Roczen’s race. Following the incident, Cooper Webb, one of the sport’s most outspoken riders, expressed his thoughts on what happened, emphasising both the potential consequences and the role lappers play in race outcomes.

The Incident: Lappers’ Impact

Ken Roczen, who has been in excellent form all season, was caught up in an unexpected and potentially dangerous situation involving lappers during the main event. As the race progressed, Roczen was forced to navigate through slower riders who were not yielding the road in the usual manner. Lappers play a crucial role in Supercross races, requiring leaders to manoeuvre around them while maintaining speed.

Unfortunately for Roczen, the lappers did not move over as planned, and the situation became chaotic. Not only did the incident cost Roczen valuable time, but it also had the potential to harm his overall health and, more importantly, his championship chances.

Cooper Webb Speaks Out.

Cooper Webb, who is competing for the 2025 title, was candid when asked about the incident. His assessment of the situation was straightforward, with a concern for both the safety and fairness of the competition.

“It ruined the championship rider’s night,” Webb said, frustrated by the situation. He was clearly dissatisfied with the lappers’ behaviour, noting that they are frequently seen racing for positions or pay cheques but must still respect their leaders. “I guess they’re going for positions, they’re going for pay cheques, but I have a lot of respect for anybody on the track,” he told me.

Webb, on the other hand, did not mince words when it came to demanding greater accountability for lappers. “I feel like there should be penalties enforced, whether points or money, and that’s my personal opinion,” he commented. His stance reflects a deeper concern about the race’s integrity and its impact on the riders vying for the championship. Webb’s comments highlight a larger issue that has arisen in Supercross over the years: what should be done when lappers refuse to yield to faster riders? Should riders who refuse to move aside face harsher consequences?

 The Impact: Health and Championship at Stake

Webb was clear about the incident’s potential consequences. “We just cost him, one, his health, potentially; and two, the championship, potentially,” he told me. The first part of this statement emphasises the inherent danger of supercross racing. The sport is physically demanding, and riders who are forced into unpredictable situations due to lappers are more likely to sustain injuries.

Furthermore, the implications for Roczen’s championship hopes cannot be overstated. With only a few rounds remaining in the 2025 season, every point is valuable, and losing time in a race can mean the difference between a title fight and falling behind. Webb’s recognition of this emphasises the importance of maintaining fairness and safety in all races, particularly when navigating around slower riders who are still in the race but are not directly competing for the lead.

What’s next?

The controversy surrounding this incident highlights the importance of lappers in Supercross. As Webb suggested, stricter penalties for lappers who refuse to move out of the way could help prevent similar problems in the future. However, implementing such measures could be difficult because they would need to be clearly defined and consistently enforced across all races.

The debate over how to deal with lappers will continue, but this incident in Tampa adds a new layer to the ongoing discussion about Supercross fairness, safety, and competitive spirit.

For Ken Roczen, the focus will now be on recovering from the setback and continuing his pursuit of the 2025 championship, while Cooper Webb and others in the field will be reminded that in Supercross, every second and every move counts—especially when the championship is at stake.