Props to Tomac

tomlopez
Posts
1176
Joined
5/2/2021
Location
Saint Petersburg, FL US
Fantasy
Edited Date/Time 3/13/2022 10:52am
Obviously, the biggest story of the Detroit main is over half the field crashing out and making this series a likely runaway. However, we shouldn't forget about how great Tomac has been all season.

For the longest time, Eli was the fastest guy in the class when he wasn't having his questionable fluke rides. That inconsistency kept him from winning championships. He got that inconsistency under control in 2020, but some people don't hold that season to the same level of importance as other seasons, since COVID put it on pause and the whole second half was at the same stadium with no crowd.

After that 2020 title, Eli seemed to back it off a bit. He was still one of the best riders in the class, but he was mostly a top 5 guy, with occasional wins here and there. His fire seemed to have died, and I doubted he would win a title again.

Now, in 2022, on a new ride with arguably the best all-around team in the sport, Eli finds that consistent speed that he had in 2020 once again, and looks like the title favorite. Other racers gave him some trouble, most notably Jason Anderson. But all season, Tomac has stayed out of trouble and put in solid performances. Tonight at Detroit, he had arguably his best ride in years. His "beast mode" was back on full display, and he charged from a mid-pack start through a field of great racers all the way to first place, along the ride blowing by Anderson like he was standing still. With this win, he moves past Ryan Villopoto for 5th all time in Supercross wins and is only 2 behind Chad Reed for 4th.

Eli has effectively revived his career with Star Racing, and he is cementing himself as a legend of our sport. I've been lucky enough to watch him through his whole prime, and it's sure gonna be sad when he's no longer lining up at the gate.

Given he doesn't make any boneheaded mistakes and takes this title home...
Bring on the outdoors
81
2
|
3/12/2022 7:35pm
There are a lot of great racers out there, but Tomac is legendary. Bring on MXDN
21
1
borg
Posts
6674
Joined
12/7/2009
Location
Long Beach, CA US
3/12/2022 7:37pm
He has benefited from crashes in previous races but not this one. He passed everybody.
24
RalphS
Posts
975
Joined
2/26/2020
Location
North Hollywood, CA US
3/12/2022 7:41pm
Throughout the years I've seen a lot of top guys making mistakes and crashing while trying to race at the aforementioned alien's speed, even himself once.
10
Augustine
Posts
32
Joined
6/21/2020
Location
Franklin, TN US
3/12/2022 7:43pm
It’s a beautiful thing watching Tomac on nights like tonight.

The fastest riders all in front of him…and he smokes all of them like it’s nothing.
22

The Shop

tomlopez
Posts
1176
Joined
5/2/2021
Location
Saint Petersburg, FL US
Fantasy
3/12/2022 7:45pm
borg wrote:
He has benefited from crashes in previous races but not this one. He passed everybody.
You are correct. However, from 2015-2019 it seemed like he was always on the bad side of luck and it cost him titles.
13
tomlopez
Posts
1176
Joined
5/2/2021
Location
Saint Petersburg, FL US
Fantasy
3/12/2022 7:46pm
Augustine wrote:
It’s a beautiful thing watching Tomac on nights like tonight.

The fastest riders all in front of him…and he smokes all of them like it’s nothing.
Agreed. I know it's unpopular to compare today's riders to the GOATs of the sport, but you can't convince me that a Tomac at 100%, like tonight, couldn't hang with Stew or RC.
27
4
face biter
Posts
537
Joined
2/25/2019
Location
Lake Dallas, TX US
3/12/2022 7:49pm
tomlopez wrote:
Obviously, the biggest story of the Detroit main is over half the field crashing out and making this series a likely runaway. However, we shouldn't forget...
Obviously, the biggest story of the Detroit main is over half the field crashing out and making this series a likely runaway. However, we shouldn't forget about how great Tomac has been all season.

For the longest time, Eli was the fastest guy in the class when he wasn't having his questionable fluke rides. That inconsistency kept him from winning championships. He got that inconsistency under control in 2020, but some people don't hold that season to the same level of importance as other seasons, since COVID put it on pause and the whole second half was at the same stadium with no crowd.

After that 2020 title, Eli seemed to back it off a bit. He was still one of the best riders in the class, but he was mostly a top 5 guy, with occasional wins here and there. His fire seemed to have died, and I doubted he would win a title again.

Now, in 2022, on a new ride with arguably the best all-around team in the sport, Eli finds that consistent speed that he had in 2020 once again, and looks like the title favorite. Other racers gave him some trouble, most notably Jason Anderson. But all season, Tomac has stayed out of trouble and put in solid performances. Tonight at Detroit, he had arguably his best ride in years. His "beast mode" was back on full display, and he charged from a mid-pack start through a field of great racers all the way to first place, along the ride blowing by Anderson like he was standing still. With this win, he moves past Ryan Villopoto for 5th all time in Supercross wins and is only 2 behind Chad Reed for 4th.

Eli has effectively revived his career with Star Racing, and he is cementing himself as a legend of our sport. I've been lucky enough to watch him through his whole prime, and it's sure gonna be sad when he's no longer lining up at the gate.

Given he doesn't make any boneheaded mistakes and takes this title home...
Bring on the outdoors
Maybe the Yamaha revved his heart?
8
3/12/2022 7:53pm
Augustine wrote:
It’s a beautiful thing watching Tomac on nights like tonight.

The fastest riders all in front of him…and he smokes all of them like it’s nothing.
tomlopez wrote:
Agreed. I know it's unpopular to compare today's riders to the GOATs of the sport, but you can't convince me that a Tomac at 100%, like...
Agreed. I know it's unpopular to compare today's riders to the GOATs of the sport, but you can't convince me that a Tomac at 100%, like tonight, couldn't hang with Stew or RC.
Oh absolutely on nights like tonight he would hang with and even beat Stew and RC. We're watching history in the making. Completely amazed by what he did tonight on a sketchy track.
12
2
3/12/2022 7:57pm
Tomac is in a High and is executing perfectly. He can ride this out to another Championship and will definitely want to lead the US MXoNs team.
7
H4L
Posts
2595
Joined
3/18/2016
Location
CA US
3/12/2022 7:58pm
He was starting to find his groove again the last couple of races. He is on his way to earning his 2nd SX title. Also on his way to putting himself in the discussion with the all time greats. Beast mode is back !
10
Crush
Posts
21077
Joined
4/26/2009
Location
Sydney AU
3/12/2022 7:58pm
He was fuckin unreal tonight, the way he was pushing through stuff was hectic. Was really throwing it down to Jason.
8
cable
Posts
1242
Joined
6/11/2008
Location
Rockford, MI US
3/12/2022 8:26pm
Does he bring the energy and speed outdoors?
4
westeast
Posts
250
Joined
1/28/2017
Location
Bakersfield, CA US
Fantasy
3/12/2022 8:30pm
tomlopez wrote:
Obviously, the biggest story of the Detroit main is over half the field crashing out and making this series a likely runaway. However, we shouldn't forget...
Obviously, the biggest story of the Detroit main is over half the field crashing out and making this series a likely runaway. However, we shouldn't forget about how great Tomac has been all season.

For the longest time, Eli was the fastest guy in the class when he wasn't having his questionable fluke rides. That inconsistency kept him from winning championships. He got that inconsistency under control in 2020, but some people don't hold that season to the same level of importance as other seasons, since COVID put it on pause and the whole second half was at the same stadium with no crowd.

After that 2020 title, Eli seemed to back it off a bit. He was still one of the best riders in the class, but he was mostly a top 5 guy, with occasional wins here and there. His fire seemed to have died, and I doubted he would win a title again.

Now, in 2022, on a new ride with arguably the best all-around team in the sport, Eli finds that consistent speed that he had in 2020 once again, and looks like the title favorite. Other racers gave him some trouble, most notably Jason Anderson. But all season, Tomac has stayed out of trouble and put in solid performances. Tonight at Detroit, he had arguably his best ride in years. His "beast mode" was back on full display, and he charged from a mid-pack start through a field of great racers all the way to first place, along the ride blowing by Anderson like he was standing still. With this win, he moves past Ryan Villopoto for 5th all time in Supercross wins and is only 2 behind Chad Reed for 4th.

Eli has effectively revived his career with Star Racing, and he is cementing himself as a legend of our sport. I've been lucky enough to watch him through his whole prime, and it's sure gonna be sad when he's no longer lining up at the gate.

Given he doesn't make any boneheaded mistakes and takes this title home...
Bring on the outdoors
You should be writing for a website or something!
6
3/12/2022 8:31pm
I've really been surprised by Eli's charge this year. I wasn't really expecting him to take the lead tonight after his start having to work his way up considering Anderson was running in first and the speed he's been showing.
2
689
Posts
842
Joined
12/10/2010
Location
AU
3/12/2022 8:41pm
Don't recall him pushing through the pack on the first few laps so quickly.
6
ShipLap
Posts
1567
Joined
8/15/2018
Location
Moab, UT US
3/12/2022 8:43pm
tomlopez wrote:
Obviously, the biggest story of the Detroit main is over half the field crashing out and making this series a likely runaway. However, we shouldn't forget...
Obviously, the biggest story of the Detroit main is over half the field crashing out and making this series a likely runaway. However, we shouldn't forget about how great Tomac has been all season.

For the longest time, Eli was the fastest guy in the class when he wasn't having his questionable fluke rides. That inconsistency kept him from winning championships. He got that inconsistency under control in 2020, but some people don't hold that season to the same level of importance as other seasons, since COVID put it on pause and the whole second half was at the same stadium with no crowd.

After that 2020 title, Eli seemed to back it off a bit. He was still one of the best riders in the class, but he was mostly a top 5 guy, with occasional wins here and there. His fire seemed to have died, and I doubted he would win a title again.

Now, in 2022, on a new ride with arguably the best all-around team in the sport, Eli finds that consistent speed that he had in 2020 once again, and looks like the title favorite. Other racers gave him some trouble, most notably Jason Anderson. But all season, Tomac has stayed out of trouble and put in solid performances. Tonight at Detroit, he had arguably his best ride in years. His "beast mode" was back on full display, and he charged from a mid-pack start through a field of great racers all the way to first place, along the ride blowing by Anderson like he was standing still. With this win, he moves past Ryan Villopoto for 5th all time in Supercross wins and is only 2 behind Chad Reed for 4th.

Eli has effectively revived his career with Star Racing, and he is cementing himself as a legend of our sport. I've been lucky enough to watch him through his whole prime, and it's sure gonna be sad when he's no longer lining up at the gate.

Given he doesn't make any boneheaded mistakes and takes this title home...
Bring on the outdoors
westeast wrote:
You should be writing for a website or something!
"Over half the field"


New math.
2
1
westeast
Posts
250
Joined
1/28/2017
Location
Bakersfield, CA US
Fantasy
3/12/2022 8:49pm
tomlopez wrote:
Obviously, the biggest story of the Detroit main is over half the field crashing out and making this series a likely runaway. However, we shouldn't forget...
Obviously, the biggest story of the Detroit main is over half the field crashing out and making this series a likely runaway. However, we shouldn't forget about how great Tomac has been all season.

For the longest time, Eli was the fastest guy in the class when he wasn't having his questionable fluke rides. That inconsistency kept him from winning championships. He got that inconsistency under control in 2020, but some people don't hold that season to the same level of importance as other seasons, since COVID put it on pause and the whole second half was at the same stadium with no crowd.

After that 2020 title, Eli seemed to back it off a bit. He was still one of the best riders in the class, but he was mostly a top 5 guy, with occasional wins here and there. His fire seemed to have died, and I doubted he would win a title again.

Now, in 2022, on a new ride with arguably the best all-around team in the sport, Eli finds that consistent speed that he had in 2020 once again, and looks like the title favorite. Other racers gave him some trouble, most notably Jason Anderson. But all season, Tomac has stayed out of trouble and put in solid performances. Tonight at Detroit, he had arguably his best ride in years. His "beast mode" was back on full display, and he charged from a mid-pack start through a field of great racers all the way to first place, along the ride blowing by Anderson like he was standing still. With this win, he moves past Ryan Villopoto for 5th all time in Supercross wins and is only 2 behind Chad Reed for 4th.

Eli has effectively revived his career with Star Racing, and he is cementing himself as a legend of our sport. I've been lucky enough to watch him through his whole prime, and it's sure gonna be sad when he's no longer lining up at the gate.

Given he doesn't make any boneheaded mistakes and takes this title home...
Bring on the outdoors
westeast wrote:
You should be writing for a website or something!
ShipLap wrote:
"Over half the field"


New math.
What good journalism doesn't embellish a little bit? What did Tomac start, 8th? Maybe he should have said four elevenths?
3
5
HusqFan3
Posts
719
Joined
4/30/2018
Location
Sammamish, WA US
3/12/2022 8:55pm
tomlopez wrote:
Obviously, the biggest story of the Detroit main is over half the field crashing out and making this series a likely runaway. However, we shouldn't forget...
Obviously, the biggest story of the Detroit main is over half the field crashing out and making this series a likely runaway. However, we shouldn't forget about how great Tomac has been all season.

For the longest time, Eli was the fastest guy in the class when he wasn't having his questionable fluke rides. That inconsistency kept him from winning championships. He got that inconsistency under control in 2020, but some people don't hold that season to the same level of importance as other seasons, since COVID put it on pause and the whole second half was at the same stadium with no crowd.

After that 2020 title, Eli seemed to back it off a bit. He was still one of the best riders in the class, but he was mostly a top 5 guy, with occasional wins here and there. His fire seemed to have died, and I doubted he would win a title again.

Now, in 2022, on a new ride with arguably the best all-around team in the sport, Eli finds that consistent speed that he had in 2020 once again, and looks like the title favorite. Other racers gave him some trouble, most notably Jason Anderson. But all season, Tomac has stayed out of trouble and put in solid performances. Tonight at Detroit, he had arguably his best ride in years. His "beast mode" was back on full display, and he charged from a mid-pack start through a field of great racers all the way to first place, along the ride blowing by Anderson like he was standing still. With this win, he moves past Ryan Villopoto for 5th all time in Supercross wins and is only 2 behind Chad Reed for 4th.

Eli has effectively revived his career with Star Racing, and he is cementing himself as a legend of our sport. I've been lucky enough to watch him through his whole prime, and it's sure gonna be sad when he's no longer lining up at the gate.

Given he doesn't make any boneheaded mistakes and takes this title home...
Bring on the outdoors
Well said my man. As great as Eli has been this season, until tonight we hadn't seen one of his patented beast mode charges all the way to the front. Was awesome to see to see him unleash the beast tonight.
4
1
tomlopez
Posts
1176
Joined
5/2/2021
Location
Saint Petersburg, FL US
Fantasy
3/12/2022 9:04pm
tomlopez wrote:
Obviously, the biggest story of the Detroit main is over half the field crashing out and making this series a likely runaway. However, we shouldn't forget...
Obviously, the biggest story of the Detroit main is over half the field crashing out and making this series a likely runaway. However, we shouldn't forget about how great Tomac has been all season.

For the longest time, Eli was the fastest guy in the class when he wasn't having his questionable fluke rides. That inconsistency kept him from winning championships. He got that inconsistency under control in 2020, but some people don't hold that season to the same level of importance as other seasons, since COVID put it on pause and the whole second half was at the same stadium with no crowd.

After that 2020 title, Eli seemed to back it off a bit. He was still one of the best riders in the class, but he was mostly a top 5 guy, with occasional wins here and there. His fire seemed to have died, and I doubted he would win a title again.

Now, in 2022, on a new ride with arguably the best all-around team in the sport, Eli finds that consistent speed that he had in 2020 once again, and looks like the title favorite. Other racers gave him some trouble, most notably Jason Anderson. But all season, Tomac has stayed out of trouble and put in solid performances. Tonight at Detroit, he had arguably his best ride in years. His "beast mode" was back on full display, and he charged from a mid-pack start through a field of great racers all the way to first place, along the ride blowing by Anderson like he was standing still. With this win, he moves past Ryan Villopoto for 5th all time in Supercross wins and is only 2 behind Chad Reed for 4th.

Eli has effectively revived his career with Star Racing, and he is cementing himself as a legend of our sport. I've been lucky enough to watch him through his whole prime, and it's sure gonna be sad when he's no longer lining up at the gate.

Given he doesn't make any boneheaded mistakes and takes this title home...
Bring on the outdoors
westeast wrote:
You should be writing for a website or something!
ShipLap wrote:
"Over half the field"


New math.
You know what I mean
2
1
kpiper
Posts
2360
Joined
3/20/2019
Location
AZ US
3/12/2022 9:11pm
HusqFan3 wrote:
Well said my man. As great as Eli has been this season, until tonight we hadn't seen one of his patented beast mode charges all the...
Well said my man. As great as Eli has been this season, until tonight we hadn't seen one of his patented beast mode charges all the way to the front. Was awesome to see to see him unleash the beast tonight.
Yes, it was awesome seeing beast mode from mid-pack. Makes for such an entertaining race when he can do that.

Eli looked like he was going to have a good start and dropped way back in the first turn.
3
HusqFan3
Posts
719
Joined
4/30/2018
Location
Sammamish, WA US
3/12/2022 9:34pm
HusqFan3 wrote:
Well said my man. As great as Eli has been this season, until tonight we hadn't seen one of his patented beast mode charges all the...
Well said my man. As great as Eli has been this season, until tonight we hadn't seen one of his patented beast mode charges all the way to the front. Was awesome to see to see him unleash the beast tonight.
kpiper wrote:
Yes, it was awesome seeing beast mode from mid-pack. Makes for such an entertaining race when he can do that. Eli looked like he was going...
Yes, it was awesome seeing beast mode from mid-pack. Makes for such an entertaining race when he can do that.

Eli looked like he was going to have a good start and dropped way back in the first turn.
I thought the exact same thing. Was afraid being sandwiched between Malcom and Coop(2 good starters) he'd get pinched off but he actually got a great jump. Just got bunched up in the first turn. Just goes to show getting a good start takes more than a good jump.

In any case, him getting shuffled back ended up being a blessing and disguise for anyone who appreciates seeing him storm his way to the front.
6
Yeti831
Posts
1348
Joined
1/30/2020
Location
UT US
3/12/2022 9:34pm Edited Date/Time 3/12/2022 10:17pm
Eli is one a handful of guys who brought their speed back to the bullring and delivering results on a silver platter after signing a new ride.

Even with a crap start (but of course the noted crashes), he ran away with a win tonight.

I really, really, really hope him, Sexton, Mookie and Ando bring that same speed and delivery to the outdoors.
1
CPR
Posts
6659
Joined
10/4/2018
Location
AU
3/12/2022 9:48pm
HusqFan3 wrote:
I thought the exact same thing. Was afraid being sandwiched between Malcom and Coop(2 good starters) he'd get pinched off but he actually got a great...
I thought the exact same thing. Was afraid being sandwiched between Malcom and Coop(2 good starters) he'd get pinched off but he actually got a great jump. Just got bunched up in the first turn. Just goes to show getting a good start takes more than a good jump.

In any case, him getting shuffled back ended up being a blessing and disguise for anyone who appreciates seeing him storm his way to the front.
I think that’s just an example of experience and confidence, Tomac knows he doesn’t have to push the issue into and through the first turn or two. He just goes for the jump out of the gate, plays it safe through the mayhem, then goes to work.
3
Kkawi
Posts
194
Joined
6/14/2014
Location
Northville, MI US
3/12/2022 9:50pm Edited Date/Time 3/12/2022 9:51pm
Absolutely amazing ride. I was there and I could tell in his heat race Eli was in beast mode. But man in that main he was totally on fire. I yelled to my Dad, "Tomacs on the gas!!!!" early in the race he just started going for it. But the thing that I really noticed, was his focus, his confidence, his smoothness, and how calm and collected he looked. I was watching his head and his focus vs Anderson before and after he made the pass, and man he never looked anywhere else, he didn't make any jerky movements or anything like Anderson does. And I know that's JA21 style but still. It was just amazing to watch Tomac reel him in, and with utmost confidence and calmness. You can tell how much maturity and experience plays a role in his riding, it was just a clinic. Buttery smooth and ripping too. I am so fortunate to have gotten to see that in person.
11
3/12/2022 9:58pm
He's been the best rider since he entered the 450's he could have a few more championships if he was in this "beast mode" but obviously something at Kawi made him a mental "mess" I say that lightly.

I'm glad he's figured it all out who knows he might stick around 3 more years have 3 more championships he definitely has to ability to do it, with this new found confidence he's going to sweep MX also.
4
2
Big Lenny
Posts
14379
Joined
8/15/2006
Location
Compton, CA US
3/12/2022 10:42pm
2
1
Ozy
Posts
2251
Joined
4/1/2008
Location
US
3/12/2022 11:19pm
HusqFan3 wrote:
Well said my man. As great as Eli has been this season, until tonight we hadn't seen one of his patented beast mode charges all the...
Well said my man. As great as Eli has been this season, until tonight we hadn't seen one of his patented beast mode charges all the way to the front. Was awesome to see to see him unleash the beast tonight.
kpiper wrote:
Yes, it was awesome seeing beast mode from mid-pack. Makes for such an entertaining race when he can do that. Eli looked like he was going...
Yes, it was awesome seeing beast mode from mid-pack. Makes for such an entertaining race when he can do that.

Eli looked like he was going to have a good start and dropped way back in the first turn.
I have not watched the replay but I thought Eli had a really good jump and sexton ran him wide
2
TrailMaker
Posts
104
Joined
1/9/2022
Location
Fresno, CA US
3/12/2022 11:32pm Edited Date/Time 3/12/2022 11:46pm
Eli has always been a rider that needs a certain feel to be confident. When he is not confident, he really seems to back it down to feel safe and comfortable. This is probably one of the reasons he has never been hurt a lot (aside from his double shoulder debacle at Thunder Valley). He has also always been cautious on starts.

When he is confident, he is just UNREAL. One of the fastest ever to ride a dirt bike. It is really a treat to get to see him ride confidently again, and show what is possible on a dirt bike.
13
150ripper
Posts
704
Joined
12/30/2018
Location
Beverly Hills, CA US
3/13/2022 7:18am
Makes you wonder. If he had won a title or two from 2017-2019, would we be talking about him as the greatest to ever do it in a couple of years??

Post a reply to: Props to Tomac

The Latest