Gephyrophobia: Laps 4->5

[BFM_Edison]

Since it's legal to continue going around the top to blue base in order to go to the bottom navs, would it also be legal to, instead, go around clockwise to blue base after 4th nav?

[BFM_Booyah]

I will have to get clarification on this one but here are my initial thoughts.  RULE 5.5 says you should race "directly and continuously through the flags".  Turning around and driving clockwise from 4th nav to get to blue base to then go below is actually quite a stroke of genius in the strategy department but I think it may violate the spirit of the stated rule.  It also may be considered a violation of RULE 9.2 which is the last lap defense rule (AKA turning).  Once you have turned you must stay going backwards and not return to forward racing.  Very good question, I like your thinking.  You may here back from us on this one...stay tuned.

[BFM_Edison]

Not sure if that was a "no" or a "I think no, but I'm not sure."

[BFM_Booyah]

I will try to dicuss this with other officers to see what they think, but for now conseder it a "no" until you hear other wise.  Better safe than sorry. 

[BFM_Booyah]

There has been much dicussion and even some debate among the officers about this question.  In the end it is decided that this would not be a legal move.  The only time you can run a course backwards is after a death, and it is the most direct rout to your nav, or during a last lap defense.  The situation in question does not fit either one of those scenarios and so would not be allowed...very good question though.