Lap of Honour

A Lap of Honour is a slow, celebratory lap around the race track that the winning driver completes after the race has officially ended, allowing them to celebrate their victory with fans and acknowledge everyone who contributed to the event.

This tradition is also commonly called a victory lap and represents one of motorsport's most iconic moments. After crossing the finish line and being declared the winner, the driver doesn't immediately return to the pits. Instead, they take one more lap around the circuit at a relaxed pace, soaking in the atmosphere and sharing their triumph with spectators.

During a Lap of Honour, you'll often see drivers waving to the crowd, performing celebratory gestures like donuts or burnouts, and acknowledging the track marshals who kept everyone safe during the race. The marshals typically wave their flags enthusiastically as the winner passes by, creating a festive atmosphere throughout the venue.

In Formula 1, victory laps have become famous for an additional reason: winning drivers sometimes stop to give rides to other competitors whose cars broke down during the race. You might see a driver perched on the side of the winning car, hitching a lift back to the paddock. This gesture shows the camaraderie that exists among drivers despite their fierce competition on track.

NASCAR has its own unique twist on the victory lap tradition. Some drivers perform what's called a "Polish victory lap" or "Kulwicki victory lap," where they turn their car around and drive clockwise on the oval track, which normally runs counterclockwise. This tradition honors Alan Kulwicki, who first performed this move to celebrate his maiden Winston Cup victory, reasoning that it would give fans in the grandstands a better view of his car's sponsor logos.

The Lap of Honour isn't limited to professional racing series. You'll find this tradition at local short tracks, dirt track races, and virtually every level of motorsport competition. It's a universal way for winners to connect with their supporters and express gratitude for their success.

While primarily celebratory, victory laps do carry some practical purposes. They give the winning team time to prepare for the podium ceremony and allow race officials to clear the track of any debris or disabled vehicles. The lap also provides photographers and television cameras additional opportunities to capture the winning car and driver.

Safety considerations do exist during a Lap of Honour. In the excitement of victory, spectators sometimes climb over barriers or enter restricted areas, which can create dangerous situations. Race organizers must balance allowing drivers to celebrate freely while maintaining proper security protocols to protect both fans and competitors.