diff --git a/src/k_kart.c b/src/k_kart.c
index c56c7c982..d0fef36a8 100644
--- a/src/k_kart.c
+++ b/src/k_kart.c
@@ -9560,7 +9560,7 @@ void K_drawKartFreePlay(UINT32 flashtime)
 		return;
 
 	V_DrawKartString((BASEVIDWIDTH - (LAPS_X+1)) - (12*9), // mirror the laps thingy
-		LAPS_Y+3, V_SNAPTOBOTTOM|V_SNAPTORIGHT, "FREE PLAY");
+		LAPS_Y+3, V_HUDTRANS|V_SNAPTOBOTTOM|V_SNAPTORIGHT, "FREE PLAY");
 }
 
 static void K_drawDistributionDebugger(void)