diff --git a/src/g_game.c b/src/g_game.c
index 517e5bcb..fb366fac 100644
--- a/src/g_game.c
+++ b/src/g_game.c
@@ -1380,6 +1380,7 @@ void G_BuildTiccmd(ticcmd_t *cmd, INT32 realtics, UINT8 ssplayer)
 
 	if (player->spectator || objectplacing) // SRB2Kart: spectators need special controls
 	{
+		axis = JoyAxis(AXISMOVE, ssplayer);
 		if (InputDown(gc_accelerate, ssplayer) || (usejoystick && axis > 0))
 			cmd->buttons |= BT_ACCELERATE;
 		if (InputDown(gc_brake, ssplayer) || (usejoystick && axis > 0))