Slaw
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When Eli Tomac was going Beast Mode in the first moto on Saturday, at the track where it all began for the Colorado native, and the graphic of the all-time moto wins popped up, I got to wondering: Is Tomac considered the second-best motocross rider in history?
Certainly, the stats are there. Tomac is fourth all-time in premier class overall wins. Second all-time in premier class moto wins. He’s a four-time 450 Pro Motocross Champion. Two-time 450 Pro Motocross runner-up. He’s Beast Mode for goodness sakes.
And yet… he could still add to his legacy.
Tomac has already announced he is returning in 2026. He said prior to the opener that he still feels competitive and wants to continue racing. Through two rounds, he’s been one of only two riders (Aaron Plessinger being the other) to challenge Jett Lawrence. Something that hasn’t been done often in Jett’s short 450 Pro Motocross career. Add in that Tomac is twice Jett’s age and it makes it even more remarkable what he is doing.
And yet… he could still add to his legacy.
While Jett is still the title favorite this summer and already is 17 points clear of Tomac, there is a long, long ways to go in this championship. Through two rounds Tomac has proven this is a fight he’s not backing down from. In fact, he looks to be enjoying it. That tends to happen as riders wind down their careers. They soak in every moment, knowing there aren’t many left.
Tomac is 32 yet riding like he’s 22. While others wilted under the intense heat on Saturday, Tomac was putting in his best times. Late in the first moto, he turned up the intensity under extreme conditions and showed that he can still go Beast Mode at any given time.
Whether Eli can win this title is up for debate. Jett will be a more than formidable challenge all year. But I’m not sure it really matters in terms of Tomac’s legacy. Through two rounds he’s already proven more than he’s needed to. He’s proven he still has IT.
And yet… he could still add to his legacy.
