diff --git a/src/modes/linear_world.cpp b/src/modes/linear_world.cpp
index 8639c4414..e13e4996a 100644
--- a/src/modes/linear_world.cpp
+++ b/src/modes/linear_world.cpp
@@ -59,6 +59,7 @@ LinearWorld::LinearWorld() : WorldWithRank()
     m_fastest_lap_ticks    = INT_MAX;
     m_valid_reference_time = false;
     m_live_time_difference = 0.0f;
+    m_fastest_lap_kart_name = "";
 }   // LinearWorld
 
 // ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
diff --git a/src/states_screens/race_result_gui.cpp b/src/states_screens/race_result_gui.cpp
index 3b8d835f9..b34716312 100644
--- a/src/states_screens/race_result_gui.cpp
+++ b/src/states_screens/race_result_gui.cpp
@@ -1660,7 +1660,7 @@ void RaceResultGUI::displayCTFResults()
 
                     core::stringw best_lap_by = dynamic_cast<LinearWorld*>(World::getWorld())->getFastestLapKartName();
 
-                    if (best_lap_by != NULL)
+                    if (best_lap_by != "")
                     {
                         //I18N: is used to indicate who has the bast laptime (best laptime "by kart_name")
                         core::stringw best_lap_by_string = _("by %s", best_lap_by);