Page 10 - ISSUE-47

ELI TOMAC
450 SX / 2ND
IMAGE /MPG WORDS / ECKERT DESIGN / WILSON
>> Having overcome the biggest point-deficit in Supercross history, Eli Tomac has been through the ringer over the course of the past few weeks. Coming from 29-points down to gain the top spot with two rounds to go, the year looked to be all Tomac but disaster struck last weekend in New Jersey. As you’re most likely aware, round sixteen cost Eli his points lead and put him 9-points back of rival Ryan Dungey as the tour made it’s final stop in Las Vegas for the last round. With comments being thrown down in the press conference, giving rise to the tension between the two contenders, the industry was in for a treat as racing got underway this past Saturday night.
Starting the 450’s off in heat one, Eli got a lackluster start rounding the first turn just inside the top ten but with moves like Tomac, pulling into 5th on the opening lap seemed to be obtainable as the #3 gained the position early. Knowing the importance of gate pick, Eli set on a journey to the front of the pack right from the get go. Hounding the track as he crossed off the laps, Eli began to work on the riders in front of him. The only problem was that the Vegas circuit was built for blistering speeds, making it tough for Tomac to make his moves. Picking off Barcia first, Eli then began to work on Baggett in 3rd but a mistake by Millsaps allowed Baggett to reach 2nd and gave Eli the 3rd spot. With half the heat left, Tomac put in some solid times but the gap was too much and he settled, focused on getting his game face ready for the main even that was to follow.
With everything on the line, everything that Tomac has reached for over the past seventeen weeks, all the burned gas, crusted gear and tire-pressure checks, it all came down to one race. Luckily for us, Eli jumped out to top four start, trailing Dean Wilson, in 3rd, through the opening section. Dungey, the points leader, was within his sights so Tomac motored past Wilson within the first few sections. The move led to Tomac blitzing the whoops on the opening lap to pinch Baggett off for second and it was on. Following Dungey for a lap, Tomac rails by and pushes Dungey to 3rd by taking him high in the second to last turn. The move ignited a fire for Ryan, that lead to him getting back by Eli briefly, but Tomac, again, pushed Dungey wide and off the track. Dungey was able to stay mounted but lost plenty of precious time. With Tomac now out front, the track was clear but Dungey wasn’t finished yet. The #1 KTM reeled Tomac back in as the race neared it’s final stages. Pulling up to Eli’s rear wheel, Dungey made another move but noticing the pass, Tomac again snuck up the inside and forced Dungey to lose his speed as the field entered the whoops. Unfortunately for Eli, the move also cost him some time and allowed Jason Anderson to get by both riders on the final lap. With only two turns to go, Eli ran out of time in 2nd place, with Dungey finishing 4th. The effort gained Eli four points but needing ten to win, his championship hopes diminished as the lights went out on the 2017 season. A hard fought championship to only finish second is no easy pill to swallow but heading into future seasons, Tomac will definitely be the one to watch.
10 GRITMOTO • MAY 7, 2017