NBC sportnews: “It’s not like the same beast he used to be he is just…”- Jett Lawrence on racing Eli Tomac after regaining from injury on Budds Creek

 

The much-anticipated showdown between Jett Lawrence and Eli Tomac finally came to a head in Round 6 of the Supercross series at Glendale, Arizona. With both riders eager to assert their dominance, the race offered a glimpse into their competitive spirits and skill levels. Lawrence emerged victorious in this clash, finishing one position ahead of Tomac, but his post-race demeanor suggested that the confrontation did not significantly impact his outlook.

Early Race Developments

Both Lawrence and Tomac had modest starts in the main event. Tomac crossed the line in fifth place at the end of the

first lap, while Lawrence was further back in ninth. Tomac quickly moved up the ranks, overtaking Vince Friese on Lap 2 and benefiting from Aaron Plessinger’s crash to secure third place. He held onto this position for the next 12 laps.

Lawrence, however, faced early challenges. On Lap 5, he nearly crashed after landing short on a jump while attempting to pass Cooper Webb. Despite this scare, Lawrence’s pace remained unbroken. By the halfway point, Lawrence had closed the gap to Tomac, who was approximately 5 seconds ahead, with Ken Roczen leading by 12 seconds.

The Tactical Pursuit

Lawrence’s strategic approach involved closely observing Tomac’s riding style. “It was kind of learning how he flows and learning where the kink in the armor could be,” Lawrence remarked in the post-race news conference. His methodical pursuit allowed him to study Tomac’s strengths and weaknesses, ultimately enabling him to make his move.

The race saw both riders executing the technical jumps and sections with precision. Lawrence, however, demonstrated superior speed and recovery, enabling him to overtake Tomac in a rhythm section. “I was looking forward to a battle, but I was able to get on the inside of him a little bit and still leave a bit of room and put my head down and click the laps off,” Lawrence explained.

Podium Positions and Championship Implications

With this performance, Lawrence not only secured a podium finish but also claimed possession of the red plate, indicating his lead in the championship standings. Conversely, Tomac’s fifth-place finish was a setback in his bid for the top spot.

Despite Lawrence’s victory, his season has been marked by inconsistent results. A ninth-place finish in the muddy San Francisco race and a sixth overall in the Anaheim 2 Triple Crown were less than stellar, particularly for a rider who dominated Pro Motocross last year. Tomac, while not at his peak performance level, remains a formidable competitor. His performance last season, hindered by an Achilles tendon injury, suggests he could have been a stronger contender had he been fully healthy.

The Ongoing Rivalry

The rivalry between Lawrence and Tomac is far from settled. Although Tomac may not be the “same beast” as before, his experience and skill continue to make him a significant threat. As the season progresses, the tension between the two riders is likely to intensify, with both aiming to assert their supremacy in the championship race. The Glendale clash is just one chapter in what promises to be a compelling season of Supercross.