ELI TOMAC - GRIT 238 450SX

ELI TOMAC | GRIT-238 | 450 SX

The number three of Eli Tomac appeared to have his flow from 2023 rekindled as practice began on Saturday. Following his speed amongst Press Day festivities as well, many in the industry predicted that Tomac could contend for the highest of feats as the final checkered flag was thrown in Anaheim. Upon rolling to the gate, he looked ahead to the first corner and visualized a process of generating the strongest start possible...and upon entering into the inital section of jumps, Tomac was adamant on working his way to the pinnacle of the leaderboard and breaking away from the field. Though the position of eighth wasn't necessarily the best, Eli remained stealth-like when making passes. Setting some of the fastest lap-times of the moto, he made his way into sixth and then passed Aaron Plessinger for fifth as the eighth circuit was completed. Now around the red-plate holder, there were times when he appeared to close-in on Jason Anderson for fourth...and though the Colorado native eventually was finalized in fifth, the speed that was showcased by the former champion was something that had to be recognized. Residing around eleventh in the earliest moments of moto two, he was overtaken by Chase Sexton as they both attempted to pass Ken Roczen. However, the rebuttal by Tomac was extremely impressive; making a dive to the inside after the opening whoop section in the laps thereafter. He was refusing to let this championship slip away. Back and forth with Sexton he would go, as they eventually passed Hunter Lawrence and Jorge Prado; with Tomac unveiling an array of outside lines and skimming patterns through the whoops, while amongst a train that included Ken Roczen. Though unable to get around the Suzuki rider at the finish line, Tomac's finish of seventh would best the likes of Chase Sexton, while staying well within an optimal overall standing. Managing to work his way into the lead immediately after powering around the outside of turn number one. He seemed to have a point to prove while holding onto the lead, and each circuit that passed, the Tomac of old appeared to be revitalized in front of thousands of fans. The opportunity to stake his claim for championship contention was now, and as Jett Lawrence made his way into second...Tomac never faltered. He was poised and composed, remaining stoic with his maneuvering en route to the checkers flag; claiming the moto win, and second on the overall leaderboard!

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