Cooper Webb blast to lapper jeremy hand over collision with Ken Roczen’s crash with the Lappers at Tampa Supercross

The 2025 Tampa Supercross marked another thrilling round in the ongoing battle for the championship, but the event was overshadowed by an intense moment involving lappers that significantly impacted Ken Roczen’s race. After the incident, Cooper Webb, one of the most outspoken riders in the sport, shared his thoughts on what transpired, highlighting both the potential consequences and the role lappers play in the overall outcome of races.

The Incident: Lappers and Their Impact

Ken Roczen, who has been riding in top form all season, found himself caught up in an unexpected and potentially dangerous situation involving lappers during the main event. As the race unfolded, Roczen was forced to navigate through slower riders who were not yielding the way in the typical manner. In Supercross, lappers often play a pivotal role in the outcome of a race, as the leaders must find ways to negotiate around them while maintaining speed.

Unfortunately for Roczen, the lappers failed to move over as expected, and the situation turned chaotic. Not only did the incident cost Roczen precious time, but it also had the potential to affect his overall health and, more critically, his championship bid.

Cooper Webb Speaks Out

Cooper Webb, who has been involved in his own battle for the 2025 title, didn’t hold back when asked about the incident. His take on the situation was direct and filled with concern for both the safety and the fairness of the competition.

“It ruined the championship rider’s night,” Webb began, expressing his frustration over the events. He was clearly disappointed with how the lappers behaved, noting that they are often seen racing for positions or paychecks but must still respect the leaders. “I guess they’re going for positions, they’re going for paychecks, but I have a lot of respect for anybody on the track,” he explained.

However, Webb didn’t shy away from calling for more accountability for lappers. “I feel like there should be penalties enforced, whether points or money, and that’s my personal opinion,” he added. His stance reflects a deeper concern about the integrity of the race and how it affects the riders vying for the championship. Webb’s comments highlight a broader issue that has surfaced in Supercross over the years—what should be done when lappers don’t yield to faster riders? Should there be harsher consequences for riders who refuse to get out of the way?

 The Impact: Health and Championship at Stake

Webb was clear about the potential consequences of the incident. “We just cost him, one, his health, potentially; and two, the championship, potentially,” he stated. The first part of this statement highlights the inherent danger of Supercross racing. The sport is physically demanding, and when riders are forced into unpredictable situations due to lappers, it can easily lead to injuries.

Moreover, the impact on Roczen’s championship hopes cannot be overstated. With only a few rounds remaining in the 2025 season, every point matters, and losing time in a race can be the difference between a title fight and falling behind. Webb’s recognition of this underscores the importance of maintaining fairness and safety in every race—especially when it comes to navigating around slower riders who are part of the race but not necessarily in direct competition for the lead.

#### What’s Next?

The controversy surrounding this incident brings into focus the role of lappers in Supercross. As Webb suggested, more stringent penalties for lappers who fail to move out of the way could help prevent similar issues in the future. However, implementing such measures could be tricky, as they would need to be clearly defined and enforced consistently across all races.

Ultimately, the debate about how to handle lappers will continue, but the conversation sparked by this incident in Tampa adds a new layer to the ongoing discussion about fairness, safety, and the competitive spirit of Supercross.

For Ken Roczen, the focus now will be on bouncing back from the setback and continuing his pursuit of the 2025 championship, while for Cooper Webb and others in the field, it’s a reminder that in Supercross, every second and every move counts—especially when the championship is on the line.