Jett Lawrence Praises Eli Tomac’s Performance at 450SX Qualifier in San Diego

In the high-stakes world of Supercross, where every second counts, few moments stand out as much as a veteran champion pushing the pace against a rising star. This was exactly the scenario at the 450SX Qualifier during the San Diego Supercross, where Jett Lawrence, a breakout talent in the 250 class, found himself sharing the track with the legendary Eli Tomac.

With the 450SX grid packed with talent, it was clear that every rider was giving it their all to secure a prime position ahead of the night’s main event. Lawrence, known

for his aggressive and smooth riding style, set the fastest qualifying lap time at 51.634 seconds, narrowly edging out Tomac, who posted a time of 51.987 seconds. While Jett claimed the top spot, it was Tomac’s relentless pace that caught Lawrence’s attention.

After the session, Lawrence expressed admiration for Tomac’s performance despite the slight time difference. “Still, he did great,” Lawrence said with a mix of respect and awe. “I was actually scared he was going to catch up with me.” The comments revealed Lawrence’s acknowledgment of Tomac’s ability to push the limits, even with the veteran’s heavy experience and history of dominance in the sport.

Tomac, riding for Yamaha, is known for his intense focus and consistency, qualities that have led him to multiple championships in both 450SX and motocross. His qualifying effort in San Diego was yet another demonstration of his ability to perform under pressure, and Lawrence’s reaction shows the respect that younger riders like himself have for the seasoned champion.

For Lawrence, the challenge of competing alongside riders like Tomac is both a motivator and a learning experience. The San Diego qualifier demonstrated not only his speed and skill but also his growing maturity as he faces the sport’s elite. Though the time difference was minimal, Lawrence knew that a single misstep could have allowed Tomac to close the gap—and perhaps even overtake him—given Tomac’s experience in these high-pressure moments.

As the season progresses, moments like these are likely to define the rivalry between the veterans and the up-and-coming riders. Lawrence, still relatively new to the 450SX class, continues to demonstrate that he belongs at the top, while Tomac remains a constant reminder of what it takes to sustain excellence over time.

The San Diego Qualifier was yet another showcase of the exciting battles yet to come in the 2025 Supercross season, with Jett Lawrence and Eli Tomac both proving that the race for supremacy is anything but decided. Whether Lawrence can maintain his edge over Tomac remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: this is a rivalry that will keep fans on the edge of their seats all season long.