NBC Sport: Eli Tomac discusses Jett Lawrence and generational racing on Title 24 and 25

 

In the high-stakes world of SuperMotocross, even the most seasoned riders face unexpected challenges that can derail their championship hopes. Eli Tomac, a veteran of the sport, experienced this firsthand when he ruptured his Achilles tendon in a freak accident during the penultimate Monster Energy Supercross race in Denver. His injury serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictability that defines the sport.

In a recent episode of NBC Sports’ podcast “Title 24,” hosted by motocross legends Ricky Carmichael and Ryan Villopoto, Tomac opened up about his recovery journey, the playoffs, and the standout performance of Jett Lawrence in the current season.

Tomac’s Reflections on Competition

Having raced against some of the best riders in motocross history, Tomac provides a unique perspective on the evolving nature of competition. Around the 41-minute mark in Episode 25, he discusses his early career, reflecting on his battles with Ryan Dungey and the lessons learned during that formative period.

“I was still green; I was still learning,” Tomac admitted. “I had more speed—better in qualifying most of the time.

I wasn’t lacking in that area at all. But my problem was consistency. Dungey, on the other hand, never threw away races. He was someone I could trust on the track.”

This consistency often made the difference in championship standings, highlighting the importance of not just speed, but reliability.

Jett Lawrence’s Rise

Tomac also analyzed the meteoric rise of Jett Lawrence, who, unlike Tomac in his early years, has not faced the same obstacles. While Lawrence benefited from the absence of key competitors like Chase Sexton and Ken Roczen at the beginning of the Pro Motocross season, he still faced challenges and emerged victorious in head-to-head matchups against them.

Tomac expressed anticipation for future races against Lawrence, recognizing the young rider’s impressive skill set. “It’s not going to be an easy task,” he said. “It was a pleasure watching him this Motocross season. Just the way he rides a motorcycle; it’s pleasant to watch.”

The Impact of a Perfect Season

The podcast also delved into the surprise surrounding Lawrence’s perfect season. Tomac, who faced tough competition from Sexton last year, was initially skeptical about Lawrence’s ability to consistently outperform his rivals. “Racing Chase last year, I was like there’s no way that Jett beats him every moto,” Tomac remarked. Yet, despite a few close calls, including a tip-over at High Point, Lawrence proved his mettle, making his perfect season even more remarkable.

Eli Tomac’s journey through injury and competition reflects the unpredictable nature of SuperMotocross. As he focuses on recovery and looks forward to competing again, his insights into the sport’s dynamics provide valuable lessons for both aspiring riders and fans alike. The ongoing rivalry with rising stars like Jett Lawrence only adds to the excitement of the sport, making the future of SuperMotocross an enticing prospect.