ELI TOMAC - GRIT 248 450SX

GRIT-248 | 450 SX

May 20, 2024 9:45 am

The number three was returning to his speed of 2023 in recent weeks...and Eli Tomac's confidence appeared to be palpable as he scrubbed his way through the various rounds fo qualification on Saturday. He was timing his rhythm sections with a precise surge of momentum, which led him to the gate alongside Cooper Webb and Jett Lawrence, for heat two of the evening. Tomac's pathway into the opening corner was solid, but a bit of drifting to the far-side would enable both Webb and Lawrence to move ahead. All the while, Malcolm Stewart was residing just behind the Colorado native...and would make the pass, before the second lap was completed! Tomac's aggression was a bit much at times, with him attacking the corners at a bit of a disadvantageous angle - and the series of off-balance miscues, along with an over jump (or two) would enable Stewart to move forward a bit more. However, Tomac wasn't going to quit, and proceeded to close the distance between he and the number twenty-seven...making the pass on lap six with a few tear-off pulls thereafter. Now into third, he couldn't help but strive for second place, but it was to no avail. Forced to reside on the final step of the podium, it was then onto the main event for the former champion. Leaping from the gates with an abundance of power, Tomac infiltrated the lead with a brilliant start; drifting subtly around the outside, while in command of the field. Though opponents like Ken Roczen were on the charge and attempted to rival the Colorado native who was riding at a sensational pace. Chaos was occurring in a multitude of facets behind him, but Tomac remained confident in the lead; tripling over the wall-jump and into the whoop section, all the while launching the two singles that were proximal to the mechanic's area (creating a double, out of them). However, when nearing the halfway point, Jett Lawrence came into the equation...immediately pressuring Tomac, and overtook him in the latter portion of the sand section. Eli didn't see multiple down riders in the concluding bend, and was forced to go around them while Jett snuck underneath - descending to second. He resided here, through the checkered flag after Jett had ascended to roughly a seven-second lead...but the crowd still cheered on behalf of the number three, where he proved he was still one of the best in the division, via second overall.

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