Eli Tomac Discusses Challenges of Lapping Vince Friese in Post-Race Interview

 

Eli Tomac, one of the most decorated riders in motocross, opened up in a post-race press conference about the difficulties he faced while attempting to lap Vince Friese during a recent race. The reigning Supercross champion shared his frustration over being unable to pass Friese, who he said was unwilling to make room for him even after being lapped.

Tomac noted that as he struggled to get around Friese for what seemed like an eternity, he couldn’t help but anticipate that fellow competitor Jett Lawrence would close in and potentially take the lead. “I honestly thought that Jett was going to get by me at that point,” Tomac admitted. “I sat behind Vince for maybe half a lap, and of course, when you’re behind a guy, you’re anticipating when they’re going to move and most of the time where they want to go, but that just didn’t happen.”

The frustration was clear as Tomac continued, describing the moment as one of tension and uncertainty. While trying to navigate the track, he looked for an opportunity to pass Friese, expecting him to move to the left side of the track. However, Friese’s defensive riding created a tense situation where Tomac felt trapped. “There was a lot of track on the left side, and that’s where I went, but he just drifted over while going through that line, and I thought I was housed!” Tomac laughed, acknowledging the close call but expressing the reality of what happens when riders are forced into tight quarters.

The situation raised questions about the etiquette of lapped riders in motocross, as it’s often an unspoken rule that riders who are being lapped should give

way to the leaders in an effort to maintain safety and avoid disrupting the flow of the race. While Tomac didn’t go as far as to criticize Friese’s riding style, it was clear that the prolonged inability to pass added a layer of pressure to what should have been a straightforward lap.

Tomac’s candid remarks underscore the unique challenges of racing in motocross, where split-second decisions and racing dynamics can quickly change the course of a race. Despite the struggle, Tomac ultimately overcame the obstacle and maintained his focus on the bigger picture of the race, keeping his championship aspirations intact.

As for Jett Lawrence, who was shadowing Tomac’s efforts at the front, the moment did highlight how delicate racing strategies can be—especially in scenarios where traffic and lapping come into play. Lawrence, in particular, had to remain patient and alert, knowing that any misstep by Tomac could open up the door for a potential lead change.

In the end, the race reminded fans and riders alike that even seasoned veterans like Tomac face moments of unexpected adversity. Yet, it also demonstrated his resilience and determination to push through challenges, no matter how frustrating the circumstances might be.