Delayed lap count

Delayed lap counts, or DLCs, are a checkpoint exploit in Mario Kart Wii. They are not allowed in the no glitch category.

Overview

Under normal circumstances, laps are started by crossing from the front of the last CP to the back of KCP 0. A delayed lap count consists in starting a lap by entering KCP 0 from the front or sides instead. In general, performing a DLC involves breaking the checkpoint system by exiting a checkpoint in the last KCP region from the side, so that KCP 0 remains active, then driving into KCP 0 from another side. DLCs are mostly used in flap categories as part of a lengthy lap setup, to start the lap facing backwards in preparation of an ultra or to trigger the lap count with a headstart; on the other hand, they are rarely useful in 3lap categories.

To perform a DLC, all the usual requirements for getting a lap count must be satisfied. The condition on the KCP value is naturally satisfied. If starting from the last CP of the track, performing a DLC guarantees a lap count. Otherwise, starting elsewhere from the last KCP region and performing a DLC will only count the lap if the Lap% value decreases by over 0.95 upon entering KCP 0.

The lap split calculation bugs out when starting a lap with a DLC. To determine the exact duration of a lap with float-level precision, the game makes a calculation using the position of the vehicle on the frame before and after crossing into KCP 0. However, this calculation assumes that KCP 0 is entered from the back; entering it from a different direction causes the lap split to always be equal to (length in frames * 60000/1001 + 1) ms, meaning lap splits are only calculated up to the precision of one frame.

Tracks with known DLCs

  Known DLC, useful in UR flap
  Known DLC, useful in NU flap
  Known DLC, not useful for BKT
  No known DLC