Weege Show: Eli Tomac on his ups and downs, blames fault on Arms Pump as Manager Jeremy Coker struggles with this issue.

 

In the high-octane world of Supercross, the performance of riders like Eli Tomac is often scrutinized under a microscope.

Whether it’s 2022, 2024, 2014, or 2012, a “bad race” from Tomac might stir concern, but it’s crucial not to overreact. More often than not, what seems like a poor performance can often be attributed to a common issue in motocross: arm pump.

Arm pump, a condition where the forearm muscles become excessively tight and painful, can drastically affect a rider’s performance. Jason Weigandt’s latest edition of the Weege Show sheds light on this, offering insights and evidence that arm pump is a significant factor in Tomac’s racing challenges.

In a revealing 2022 interview, Eli Tomac himself delves into how arm pump has impacted his racing. He describes

the debilitating effects it has on his grip and overall control, which can cause fluctuations in race results.

Further confirmation comes from Tomac’s Team Manager, Jeremy Coker, who corroborates Tomac’s struggles with this issue. Coker’s insights underscore the challenge of managing arm pump and how it can influence race outcomes.

Interestingly, just seven days before the Detroit Supercross, Tomac was seen performing exceptionally well, free from the constraints of arm pump.

This demonstrates that when Tomac is in his prime condition, he’s capable of dominating the track. However, Detroit presented a unique challenge. The track’s surface was unexpectedly stickier, providing more traction than usual. This increase in traction affects the bike’s handling, making it more likely for the rear end to slip or become unsettled—a stark contrast to the slicker tracks of previous years.

The lesson here is that Tomac’s performance fluctuations aren’t always a reflection of his skill or preparation but can be significantly influenced by factors such as arm pump and track conditions.

Understanding these variables helps put his race results into perspective and reminds fans that even the best riders can face challenges beyond their control.