Page 8 - Issue_67

ELI TOMAC
450 SX / 1ST
IMAGE / LANNAN WORDS / MATTINGLY DESIGN / MOTOPLAYGROUND
>> The series heads to the southeast region of the United States this weekend, and a forecast consisting of sunny skies and absence of clouds will be provided for all in attendance. Many residing in both the outskirts of Tampa, as well as sunbathing in the stands, will bask in the beaming rays, all the while sipping beverages of choice. The aforementioned images, sound like that of a utopian day; but for riders like Eli Tomac, this isn’t a period of rest and relaxation. A strict business trip is what the itinerary suggests, as the time to unwind occurs after victory has been conquered. All day long, he salivated at the taste of champagne. A visualization of himself standing atop the podium, was reiterated minute after minute. So once practice had begun, he knew what had to be done. Laying down numerous sweltering circuits in the early going, he stopped brie y in the mechanic’s area to discuss what immediate adjustments needed to be made. It was quickly adjourned, as a mutual agreement had been reached; he was on track to be a podium threat, and would head back to the semi nodding with reassurance. After a bit of refueling via VP and fruit salad, both man and machine were eager to set foot onto the starting grid. He was locked into the pad, and with a nal st bump from his crew chief; all eyes would gaze upon the start straight. He was off, the thoroughbred of a machine beneath him would be jockeying for position in the early going. The sand, being thrown into the air like mystical dust, created a cloud of confusion for all who were behind. Gritting his teeth as the laps would pass, he was scurrying around the left-handed rst turn. It was he and familiar friend Jason Anderson leading the sled of wolves who howled behind, but these two asserted themselves on as the ring leaders. Tomac, at times being a little too eager in the tricky, post-start rhythm lane, could be seen over jumping his transitions at times. With the suspension clapping-out, he would still gain the slimmest of margins on the number twenty-one. It wouldn’t be enough however, and he would take second for heat number two. As the fans rose to their feed, the animosity between he and his competition grew as well. He played the aggressor in the early going, moving around the younger Cooper Webb on lap two. Now having clear vision, the blades of his Oakley frame wouldn’t swipe clean for long, as a mistake would toss the number one ride to the wind, leaving Musquin to the lead. He would then hunt down Musquin stalking him and making the pass for the lead stick; (so he had hoped). And then, Marvin pulled out an unbelievable move through the chicane, leaving the number three to the runner-up position. Many would fall victim to dev- astation, but the Colorado native would continue to charge, making the move into the lead just minutes after, in nearly identical fashion. He would then hold on for victory, getting that ever so gratifying victory, yet again.
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GRITMOTO • FEBRUARY 25, 2018