Eli Tomac, Team USA, and Cooper Webb’s performances in Sunday morning Race 1 (MXGP + MX2) — with a focus on their heats and Moto 1 at MXGP. Thought you’d enjoy the full breakdown………

Eli Tomac, Team USA, and Cooper Webb’s performances in Sunday morning Race 1 (MXGP + MX2) — with a focus on their heats and Moto 1 at MXGP. Thought you’d enjoy the full breakdown.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Eli Tomac, riding in the MXGP class for Team USA, suffered a less-than-ideal start in Race 1, falling back in the early laps of the mixed MXGP/MX2 outing. But as expected of “Beast Mode,” he charged forward—first to fourth by passing Ken Roczen and Jeffrey Herlings, then sliding around Jorge Prado to secure second behind Tim Gajser. He finished Race 1 with a strong gap, crossing the line 6.8 seconds behind Gajser in a time of 35:11.182 .

 

That gritty effort echoed his Motocross des Nations performance last October, where he notched finishes of 2‑3 to help Team USA claim second overall. He also captured the fastest lap in warm‐up and grabbed a final‐race holeshot . Once again, Tomac demonstrated that while his starts may falter, his race craft—and firepower to hunt down the leaders—remains elite.

 

Cooper Webb: Adapting in MX2 with Promising Laps

 

Cooper Webb took on MX2 in Sunday’s Race 1—a leap from 450cc machines, riding a 250F for the first time since 2016 . Despite this challenge, he showcased resilience. After a tough gate drop that left him well back, he mounted a strong charge forward and crossed the line in 17th place. While distant from elite positions, it was impressive given the learning curve.

 

Webb’s MXoN performance included a 17‑9 motos score, good enough for fifth in class—critical for Team USA’s second‑place finish overall . His Sunday first moto effort set a solid foundation, even if outside podium contention.

 

Team USA: A Strategic P2

 

Together, Tomac and Webb anchored Team USA’s Race 1 MXGP+MX2 showing. Tomac’s P2 in the premier class, coupled with Webb’s ride in MX2, propelled USA into second behind powerhouse Team Australia (dominated by Tim Gajser and Hunter Lawrence) . This strong start echoed Team USA’s MXoN campaign, where they rebounded from a shaky Saturday to impress on Sunday .

 

Vibes & Reflections from the Team

 

Tomac, consistently candid, said that “second place doesn’t sit well”—still stung by coming so close . Team Manager Jeremy Coker praised the grit of both riders, especially given the late spring training and class switches, calling it a “strong effort” under challenging conditions .

Webb, meanwhile, came across as unphased by the change: “I had an up‑and‑down day. The first moto wasn’t the greatest for me, but I redeemed myself in the second one,” he shared post‑race, highlighting steady improvement under pressure .

 

Looking Ahead: What Race 1 Foreshadows

 

Tomac is trailblazing with speed and savvy—if he cleans up his race starts, he’s destined for more podiums (and maybe wins).

 

Webb will continue honing his MX2 skills. His finish in Moto 1 suggests he’ll contend for top‑10s as he adapts.

 

Team USA has a great platform: strong results in MXGP and MX2 are vital; if their Open rider matches that pace, the overall team podium is within reach.

 

 

Sunday morning’s Race 1 at Matterley Basin already delivered a thrilling glimpse of Team USA’s prowess. Eli Tomac reaffirmed his hallmark—coming from behind to podium—while Cooper Webb navigated MX2 with poise. Tomac’s runner‑up ride and Webb’s steady pace were instrumental in securing P2 for the team.

 

But there’s unfinished business: Tomac wants more than second, Webb is hungry for stronger finishes, and Team USA is eyeing the top spot. As the weekend unfolds, eyes stay locked on how they’ll attack Race 2 and beyond—where starts, stamina, and strategy will all matter.

 

Stay tuned—this could shape up to be one of the most memorable weekends

for Team USA in recent MXGP history.