GRIT 302 -- 450SX -- 1st -- Eli Tomac

Knowing that the championship was within his grasp, KM's Eli Tomac put forth the highest sense of determination possible, as festivities began in the Pacific Northwest. His patented style was displayed lap by lap as practice took place on Saturday. Tomac's hard-charging attributes on the motorcycle were difficult for the competition to mimic. From corner to corner, he would thrive, using every bit of the KTM engine en route to soaring across the finish line. Once a multitude of strong laps were put together, he excelled forward, eyeing the opening laps of heat number one as a means of success and garnering a notable gate choice for the finale later on in the evening hours. His start was a bit lackluster and while in the latter position(s) of the top-ten. he quickly worked his way into the top-five, after a few minutes of compeittion. He was directly trailing the rear wheel(s) of Malcolm Stewart, Justin Hill, and Justin Cooper. Once into fifth, he methodically worked his way past Hill with just under two minutes remaining on the clock. From there, he proceeded to track-down Malcolm Stewart with only seconds left on the final timer! He ultimately would surpass the Florida native, and in the end, Eli would claim the third-place residency at the checkered flag. For the main event, he bolted from the line while contending for the early race lead. After a brief battle with Aaron Plessinger, Tomac was solidified in second, as the opening stages transpired. He continued to move forward, and fought with a valiant effort. This led to a climactic charge around the halfway point — and with a brilliant, three-on ensemble (where he leapt from a steep single onto a tabletop), the pass would be set-up, and then made in the left-hand bend thereafter! Tomac had block-passed Cooper Webb, and definitively took the lead! From there, his charge to the checkered flag couldn't be denied. He was methodical and calculated amongst a deteriorating circuit and significant lap-traffic.

As the final laps approached, his gap over Cooper Webb appeared to be more than sufficient. Therefore, as the checkered flag neared, Tomac would embrace the cheers from the crowd. He was returning to the top of the podium once again, and upon crossing the finish line to claim victory, the momentum of the series had most definitely swung in his favor!