Tomac has always had speed. But he has never opened a season this strong and this consistent. Consider that he has done even worse on seasons when he starts with a new team. Before Sexton, I would even argue that at times Tomac was the first Sexton of the sport (although he was able to figure out much more than Sexton so far). I am not going to make the stupid argument that sense he usually takes half the season to figure the bike out, hes only going to get even faster and faster on the KTM. No, he came in to this season on that ktm comfortable. If you watch him closely, its the best he has ridden in a long time. That is number one.
Number two. Something very different about Tomac this year going under the radar is his response to adversity. In the past, if he is not comfortable or confident, when things go wrong, they usually take him a while to recover from. He goes into survival mode etc. Tomac has always won races, but he has also backed them up with unexplainable 8th places and a seeming disinterest in the championship at large. Last night he flipped over the bars and his bike landed on top of him. He finished 13 then holeshots the next race and wins handedly. That was such a massive statement and its annoying how it went completely over the commentators heads. That showed that he knows he has this field covered. His crash didnt hurt his confidence, it just pissed him off because he IS confident. He wasnt thinking 'why did I crash?' He was thinking 'If I didnt crash I was going to win'. Another reason why this in particular shows a new Tomac is because it demonstrates his motivation to win this title. He responded in a championship way, not a single race way. He refused to lose the points lead, and made sure everyone else knew he was good as ever.
Lastly, the difference shows in his demeanor, his post race interviews. No mixing up words. No worry. Confident. We either crown Tomac 2026 champ or he gets injured. Those are the options. His only viable threat is Webb.
Outside of his mistake, his riding last night was impressive. He made some passes in very tight windows. If he keeps this up, would he sign another year!?
Possibly the strangest thread title in the history of Vital. Perhaps in the history of the interwebs.
I think he goes out on top personally. If he loses this one by a hair, then maybe he signs another year. But who knows?!
You spelled 'strongest' wrong. But I agree.
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Eli had 3/4 OAs in the first 4 races of the 2023 season…
I think it’s reference to the most forgotten yet most powerful superhero, molecule man!
STFU noob! 😂
Interesting observation for a first time post, or first post under a new account. Whichever, I have to say it’s a reasonable take on this version of Tomac.
You going to pretend like what I am saying hasn't been true of him. It is a different Tomac. He looks in control on that bike. Less mistakes (I know he crashed last night but it seemed to be a fluke). Btw, did he win that 2023 season?
Get this man an award.
The something “different” is they all know the fasted guy is in the sideline.
Thanks man. This may be my first post I cant remember. I had an account a long time ago but dont know if I made threads with it. Probably did. Look noob or not. I STAND BY IT!
You said he’s never opened a season this strong or consistent. You also said we crown him champ or he gets injured. That was the 2023 season.
You say lot words and mean little. I say little words and mean lot. Did I make it easy for you?
It certain makes a difference. But that is obviously not the sole reason why Tomac is riding this way. Seems ridiculous. I mean he had his hands full with hunter and sexton at times recently and they were there. But I get it, Jett isnt there so there is blood in the water. We all know that lol.
To your point, he did go 1-1-6-1 in 2023 to start. So I will eat crow on that one. I think the point I am making still stands. He is just as good now or better. The only person that can beat him is himself. Just like in 2023.
All good man. Eli is great, this season is definitely the opportunity for him to finally get redemption on 2023. I was seated in front of the rhythm he popped his Achilles that race. Hated seeing it.
That is crazy that you were actually there and saw it. I wasnt following that season very closely. I remember being on Twitter and all the sudden 'Tomac' started blowing up and trending. I was like no way its Eli. Couldnt believe it when I saw it. Outside looking in, I think Eli feels the same. He is getting his redemption this year.
All these he sucked on the new Yamaha chassis and he's so much better on KTM threads make me think, did everyone forget about 23 already? Coming back from injury in 24 and 25 plus his obsession with the paddle tire was his main issue the last couple of years.
Pit Row
I agree...also confused with this title but back to Tomac. He is looking better than ever and while its still early in the season, I'll put my money on Tomac for the title.
New bike, new team but he looks like a seasoned KTM rider...everything has come together perfectly and his age at this point is irrelevant.
2026 Tomac is a lethal package!
Could have gone 1-1-1-1 to start the season. A2 was a triple crown where he ironically also had a big get off and luckily landed on the tough block If I remember correctly. He definitely was a unit that year..
This post is not a statement on either bikes. It's about Tomac molding with this team this year and riding like we havent seen him ride since 23.
I think what's different this year is he's happy just to be out riding his dirt bike. Last week with 3rd he was still pumped up. Dude had a wild crash and was still in a great mood during his interview. Happy Eli = fast Eli.
It's crazy because I just looked, when he had the get off at the triple crown in 23, he also finished 13th on that moto lol. Weird. This year if he had kept it on two wheels, he would easily be 1-1-3-1.
Eli looks dangerously comfortable. Thst crash was scary but the way he executed that start, got passed by two guys (Including Hunter), then regrouped and yarded them was even scarier.
Seems like he is executing when he needs to (even that 3rd seemed like a well placed ride/ choice on a bad vibing night).
Iam rooting for this guy, he got robbed in 23 but luckily so. Or we may never have seen this legend do his magic on a ktm. Lotta Legends under that Orange tent..
Eli looking good. However that Honda guy, is also super consistent. Hunter is impressive. Don’t discount Kenny, Webb, Sexton. Not putting my $$$ on who is the guy. Need to see who is standing, after Daytona. Long series, and almost 25% finished. Mistakes will happen.
2026 is looking good for us fans as long as the guys dont get hurt. That field of 450 dudes is gnarly, and the racing is only going to get better as we head deeper into the series.
Edit - fixed typos
‘That is crazy that you were actually there and saw it. I wasnt following that season very closely. I remember being on Twitter and all the sudden 'Tomac' started blowing up and trending. I was like no way it’s Eli. Couldnt believe it when I saw it. Outside looking in, I think Eli feels the same. He is getting his redemption this year.’
Trying to reconcile these two statements because how can one that didnt follow the 2023 season make both of these statements.
he has an option for next year in his contract. Milestone based and at his discretion to activate.
Someone go get Mr. Mackey…
M’mmmm Kay?
🤣
You are correct, I don't get it.
Because it doesn't make any sense.
Great first post.
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