The Thrill of the Chase: Eli Tomac on Racing Rivals and Desired Traits

The Thrill of the Chase: Eli Tomac on Racing Rivals and Desired Traits

In the world of motocross, rivalries and racing dynamics often shape the excitement of the sport. Recently, Eli Tomac, a prominent figure in the racing circuit, shared insights on the competitors he enjoys battling with and the traits he admires in them. His candid reflections offer a fascinating glimpse into the camaraderie and competitive spirit that define professional motocross.

The Most Enjoyable Rivals

When asked about which competitors he most enjoys racing against, Eli Tomac highlighted Ken Roczen and Chase Sexton as his top picks. “The most enjoyable guy is…well, Ken and Chase,” Tomac said. He emphasized his comfort and trust when racing with them, noting, “I feel more comfortable around [Ken and Chase].” Despite acknowledging that he hasn’t had extensive run-ins with either rider, Tomac’s appreciation

for their racing style and demeanor stands out. His openness about feeling at ease with these competitors underscores the unique blend of respect and rivalry that characterizes their interactions on the track.

Desired Traits from Rivals

Tomac’s reflection extended beyond mere enjoyment to the traits he admires in his rivals. He pinpointed specific attributes from each racer that he finds impressive and would like to incorporate into his own approach.

1. Jason Anderson’s Retaliation Pass: From his experience last year, Tomac observed Jason Anderson’s skill in executing retaliation passes—moves made in response to aggressive or strategic racing maneuvers by competitors. “Jason is very good at the retaliation pass,” Tomac noted. This tactical aspect of Anderson’s racing is something Tomac plans to be mindful of in the upcoming season.

2. Ken Roczen’s Early Race Performance: Roczen’s ability to make swift and effective passes early in a race is another trait Tomac admires.

 

He remarked, “Kenny, I would say his strongest trait is early in the race. The guy can make passes so unbelievably quick.” This capability, evident in both motocross and Supercross events, showcases Roczen’s agility and strategic prowess in the early laps.

3. Chase Sexton’s Consistency: Tomac also commended Chase Sexton for his consistent performance every weekend. “Chase, man, he’s solid every weekend, too,” Tomac acknowledged. Sexton’s reliability and steady performance are qualities that reflect his dedication and skill, making him a formidable and respected competitor.

Tomac’s reflections reveal not only his competitive mindset but also his respect for the qualities that make his rivals exceptional.

His insights provide a deeper understanding of the dynamic nature of professional motocross, where admiration for fellow racers often accompanies fierce competition. As the season progresses, these traits and dynamics will continue to shape the thrilling narrative of the sport.