Takes: The Numbers Behind Eli Tomac’s Historic Win at Daytona

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Eli Tomac IS Daytona. The King of it, anyway. On Saturday, he recorded his 8th victory at the iconic venue, which broke a tie with NASCAR legend Richard Petty.

But, did you know it was the 113th SMX League win of his career? I did not. Now I do, and you do as well.

Let’s dig into some more Tomac starts and a look at how Ken Roczen is making his way up the record books.

*All stats below are provided by SMX Media

450SX Class

Eli Tomac’s Win

  • Was the 57th of his 450SX career which is 2nd all-time behind Jeremy McGrath’s 72
  • It was also his 113th SMX League win. He ranked 3rd all-time, 1 behind 2nd all-time
  • In terms of podiums, it was the 108th of his 450SX career
  • And his 237th career SMX League podium, 1st all-time
  • It was his 8th career win at Daytona, which breaks his tie with NASCAR legend Richard Petty for most career wins at the venue.

Hunter Lawrence’s Second

  • Was his 6th podium of the year
  • And the 8th of his 450SX career in just 27 starts
  • It served as his 15th career 450SX class top-5 finish

Ken Roczen’s Third 

  • Was his 5th podium of 2026
  • And the 81st of his 450SX career
  • Which came in his 170th career 450SX start
  • He is tied with Mike LaRocco for 6th all-time on the 450SX podium list
  • Roczen continues to move up in other 450SX Class categories as well: 
    • Top-5’s: Ties Kevin Windham for 6th all-time with 113
    • Top-10’s: 10 away from McGrath in 5th 
    • Starts: 1 behind Jeff Ward for 11th
    • SMX League top-5’s: Ties Windham for 4th all-time with 234

250SX East Division

Seth Hammaker’s Win

  • Was the 4th of his 250SX career
  • It came in his 31st career 250SX start
  • He is the first Pro Circuit Kawasaki winner at Daytona since Cameron McAdoo won there in 2021
  • The win ended Yamaha Star Racing’s win streak in the 250SX class at 7
  • It was also his 20th career top-5 finish

Cole Davies’ Second

  • Was his 5th career podium in just 11 career starts
  • He is now just 6 points back of teammate Pierce Brown in the championship

Pierce Brown’s Third

  • Was just his 6th career 250SX podium
  • It came in his 38th career start
  • Like Hammaker, it was also his 20th career top-5 finish
  • Brown retains the points lead by 2 over Hammaker. Wearing #163, Brown would be the first 3-digit rider to win a title since Christophe Pourcel in 2009 when the Frenchman won the Eastern Division

Photos: octopi.media

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Written by Slaw

Just a dog trying to find my special bun.

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