Hot lap

Hot-lapping typically refers to a motorsport in which vehicles are driven around a race track without actually competing for a position or any other recording of performance.[1] Multiple vehicles will typically be on the track, but no passing is allowed, nor any contact. Even though the main purpose is not competitively oriented, many clubs will record lap times, so drivers can measure improvement. Cars may be classified for different levels of performance potential, in order that similarly capable cars and drivers are on the track together. However, with no specific rules about car modifications, there is really no meaningful competition, as the cars may have significantly different potential. A competition in which time is used as a competitive element is called time trialing.

Lapping may also refer to the act of gaining an extra lap "advantage" against opponents on a race course.

The term hot-lapping also surfaces in online racing video games, but it is used to identify a driver who is very fast, but very inconsistent; an example of this can be seen from possessing the ability to put down an extremely competitive lap-time, struggle to find consistency in their results, and likewise may spend many hours of qualifying in order to garner a single, quick and valid, qualifying lap-time.

Karen Bevan used a hot lap to win the 2020 Courtmacsherry 10k road race.

Hot-lapping may also refer to a superstitious routine that ice hockey players, and sometimes other team personnel, perform hours before a game for good luck, in which one skates around the perimeter of the rink alone. For example, the Washington Capitals have employed hot-lapping in preparation for games during their 2018 Stanley Cup championship run, as well as their Stanley Cup Finals opponent, the Vegas Golden Knights. [2][3]

Hot lapping may also refer to the act of drawing attention to one self at the expense of another person's life, particularly through eulogies or social media posts.

• Examples of Hot Lap experiences in New Zealand