GRIT 304 — 450SX — 1st — Eli Tomac

The KTM competitor was a crowd favorite, as action began on Saturday. Eli Tomac was a legend, not just in this sport, but particularly at this racetrack, with a series of wins being obtained through past seasons. And by all accounts, would he continue on that same trajectory as he dashed through each session with remarkable style and momentum. He would then be on the starting gate for heat number one of the 450SX category, with a willingness to push the pace as high as needed. As gates fell, he would power into turn number one and take an initial race lead. His prowess was easily identifiable. And with opponents, including Cooper Webb just behind him, he knew that he couldn't let off of the gas. Though the fortitude and championship-level mentality of the Colorado native was easily identifiable. In the moments that followed, he would continue to defend the first-place position from the North Carolina native who trailed. It was a spectacular race, though when it mattered most, Tomac continued to lead the field around. That notion transpired for the entirety of the contest, and when the checkered flag waved, it was Eli who took the race win. After navigating through the first corner, of the main event, in approximately the fourth-place position, he quickly went to work per se..and charged forward, passing Cooper Webb after only a few minutes of competition! He was then third, with Hunter Lawrence not far ahead.

This lead to a climactic pass with around thirteen and a-half minutes left on the clock, where Tomac surged forward, block-passing Lawrence amid a sandy bowl turn! Second was then his! Not long thereafter would Eli accelerate ahead - leaping from various obstacles to flat, which translated to a pass being made by Tomac amid the finish line section! The passes were mere moments apart, and Eli then claimed the pinnacle position with authority! From there, he would maintain a significant pace - though Roczen and Lawrence were riding well, in their own regard. Nevertheless, as the checkered flag was thrown, it was Tomac who endured the various surge(s) from those who trailed.. and when the checkered flag waved, Eli claimed the overall victory in Daytona! With the championship momentum continuing to be build, the veteran is set to continue climbing for the upcoming rounds) of the series...though Hunter Lawrence, Ken Roczen, and Cooper Webb, remain well within the fight!