Insight: Eli Tomac
Monday, January 7, 2013 | 10:10 AM
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PrintAnyone who made a prediction on who would win the 450SX main event probably ended up looking dumb when Davi Millsaps scored a surprise victory at Anaheim. But at least most of the 250SX prognosticators were correct—many expected a dominant win from defending 250SX West Champion Eli Tomac, and that's exactly what happened. The GEICO Honda rider was pumped up after the race—even though he's stuck on that little 250.
Racer X: A lot of guys come into Anaheim 1 just trying to see where they are. But you did so well in this class last year and you did so well on the 450 recently, at this point I feel like if you only got a decent finish here, it’s not going to be good. So, what are your expectations at this point?
Eli Tomac: I really wanted the W here. Just because I haven’t gotten a W here in my past two years. Anaheim 1 is one of the most hyped-up races. It just feels good. And then to start off that way with the points is really important, also.
How long have you been back on the 250?
I hopped on my 250 at the beginning of December.
That’s it? You held onto that 450 all the way until December?
I was at my house in Colorado on the 450 until about Thanksgiving and then we cruised out here and I hopped on my 250 and then moaned and cried for about a week and then I finally got used to her. So now we’re good.
Tomac won his first season opener at Anaheim in three tries on Saturday.
Simon Cudby photo
But was there testing involved? That’s really not a lot of time.
There was testing, but we didn’t really change a whole lot this season. Right now our chassis is super dialed and it worked last year too so I didn’t really switch up a whole lot.
Off the start in the main, there was carnage everywhere. And you came out with the lead. Did you manage to dodge it?
Yeah, I saw the carnage of the crash off to my right, in my peripheral vision there. But I was far enough inside where I was all right. I just heard the oos and ahs and saw a guy eating it, so I was like, 'oh crap.' But it was definitely a better start than that heat race. But I was also in a safer spot, too. I was kind of rolling the dice out there.
You went extreme inside?
I was very inside in the main, yeah.
And you didn’t do that in the heat? It was a different spot?
No, for the heat it was like two outside the gate. Because I saw [Jessy] Nelson actually holeshot there in the first heat and I was like, 'Hey, why not take the holeshot gate?' But it didn’t work for me in my heat!
It was a dominant performance for Tomac at Anaheim. He will retain the #1 plate for Phoenix next week.
Simon Cudby photo
The starts are the one thing you did have problems with consistently last year. Are there things you’ve changed to try to remedy that?
I’ve tried to change a couple techniques and stuff, get my body through at the right time. And really in that heat race I spun on the plastic. That’s what made me hook up and then do a big wheelie. It was just one of those things.
After you had the lead in the main, you just set your own pace?
Yeah, once I got in the lead I just kind of set my own pace and had a good flow. I was able to do that quad over there for a quite a few laps. I just felt pretty dialed.
This track actually looked like it was pretty cool.
It was definitely way better than last year’s Anaheim 1. And the finish, too, was good. But it just had a good flow. It was a good track. I'm looking forward to more.
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He is going to kill that class unless someone hangs it out. Period.. This is Roczens 3rd year in supercross, he needs to pick it up and quit making excuses..
Tomac has no business being in the 250 class.
bd200: Roczen has adopted the mindset of the guy who has been getting beat no matter how hard he tries indoors and out. He doesn't have to like finishing second, but he does need to accept the result and move on.
PartyBoy: It's all about the business at this point: Geico got him signed for three years. I agree with you, though. Why don't they stick him on the 450 in the East?
wouldnt be surprised if tomac winns every west coast round
@Foundwood: So, you are Ken Roczen's personal psychiatrist. And this is your professional diagnosis. I love how you guys talk like you actually have a clue what any rider is thinking.
You found wood alright, between your knees, stop wanking it...
Tomac the Terrible was unleashed upon the 250sx class and he simply destroyed the competition!! I do hope Geico lets E.T.ride the 450sx in east coast rounds, he would be in the mix. Headline: The Sensational Seven morphs into the Great Eight making the 2013 Supercross Series the most competitive season in the sports history!!
Tomac is the man!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Aq0lzJebxSA
Pitbull: An intelligent, and well-considered response, and I agree with you that it is still early in the season.
Caseypons: Granted, I might not know what anyone else is thinking, but graphic sexual references on a motorcycle forum are inappropriate. I find wood to carve: foundwood. I have been riding for over 40 years, and raced for 20. Actually, I do know what I am talking about when it comes to the competitive mind.
Roberto... Video was just weird and creepy. Wasn't even funny. Someone should check that guys basement for missing children.
Make plans to be in Germany in September!!!!
@ PitBull
I also agree with you. I'm a big Tomac fan and believe he's going to do some great things in the coming years but he may soon start getting a little too over-confident. He's a beast and throw's that 250 around like his mountainbike.....from my experience there's only one place to go from there and it's down.....hopefully without injury. Kenny looks good.....don't think he had anything for Eli at A1 but next few weeks could be a different story.
@ Please don't hate us
agreed.....I thought he should have been at Lommel last Sept!!!
Eli mentioned on the Pulp interview he has some coffee before the main event. I have heard many times of riders drinking coffee on race day. How do their trainers allow this? Am I missing something? Caffeine dehydrates does it not?
I have had the caffine debate many times. I knew a mountain bike racer who would take a Pepsi with him on races for the caffine. He would shake it up so it was flat though, carbonation is not good. I think it depends on the person.
Caffine in small doses increases blood flow and oxygen intake.
Interesting. Small dose is probably like 20mg? If a cup is 80mgs that's not much...
I wonder also if any riders experiment with nootropics.
Supplementing for cognitive clarity would obviously be of benefit. Choline, Rhodilia, L-Tyrosiine, Inositol, NAC and and tons of stuff is legal and effective. I would think this would be preferred over caffeine, but I dunno yo...
@ BD25
Hey today's order of buisness is Dorito's ! Tomac should be labeled TYPOON Tomac you heard it here first !!
With Kenny it is always next week or next year but he is like the big rock star no show with his fans left holding expensive tickets and getting some stand in. Eli has killed him every time they race when he is near off the start outdoor and supercross. Second place is the best KR can hope to achieve.
I agree E.T. should be racing the East SX rounds & MX on a 450.
While I do give E.T. all the respect, Roczen isn't out of this by ANY means.
I do feel a little concerned for the REST of the 250F class though...............
@Jesus I hope that 13+ minute 250 main didn't dehydrate Tomac to much.
@foundwood: Like I said the quote below states that (you) know what he (is) thinking. And that you (know) he needs to (accept) the fact that he can't win.
This sounds like professional medical and/or clinical diagnosis, only a medical professional should be (stating) and (not) on a motorcycle forum.
And nothing that somebody who has merely raced should be (falsely) stating he (has) actual knowledge of, as your (exact) words read.
Your (speculative) assumptions are just that, and (nothing) is fact...other than you've found wood! Congratulations, I am very happy for your (actual) find.
But to me your false claims of professional diagnosis, and how one (does) think and needs to perceive in life, make as much or more sense than mental masturbation. This is my impression of your speculative unprofessional and (personal) moral character reference of others.
You might (think) you now what goes on in others minds, but it's (all) imagined in just your mind, and (not) Ken Roczen's.
Have a nice day finder and carver of wood....
All due respect!
FOUNDWOOD writes: Roczen (has) adopted the mindset of the guy who has been getting beat no matter how hard he tries indoors and out. He doesn't have to like finishing second, but he does need to accept the result and move on.
PS @Found Wood; unless my memory fades me, young Ken Roczen, just (WON) the World Olympics of Motocross, the "Motocross de Nations," and not an impostor of (real) Motocross called Supercross. So, in my unprofessional estimation, I (think) he (knows) mentally and competitively what winning is all about.
Just Sayin ...
Oh, and do I need to remind you of who came in (after) the winner did...
Does that mean (((In Your Words))): Team USA (has) adopted the mindset of the guy who has been getting beat no matter how hard he tries indoors and out. He doesn't have to like finishing second, but he does need to accept the result and move on.
Personally I ( think) that would be bad advice, don't you, Sir???
PSS; I (think) young Eli Tomac knows that this West Coast Series is his to lose, but only if he allows that to happen. I believe, as he has stated, he belongs in the Big Show, and this past weekend was a very bold statement declaring the fact. I (think) Tomac comes from good stock and like how his up-bring has kept him grounded. He is a class act, (as his Father) and wish him the best, as I do (all) the rest of his gate-mates.
I just have a hard time with people who display their racist and bigoted remarks about any and all riders. These are 18 and 20 year old kids, don't (try) and break their spirits, to satisfy your inadequacies of accepting success in others.
And I think you know who I mean????
Enough said!!!
Just when you think they can't possibly go any faster, along comes a young rider like Eli Tomac. He's gonna set a whole new standard in the 450s. When the dust settles, he'll be one of the best ever.
caseypons: It is nice to see someone provide a carefully considered response. You are obviously a knowledgeable and passionate fan of the sport. I hope you enjoy the rest of the racing in 2013.
@ caseypons
is just your typical North west Washington weather guy !!! LOL LEATHERFACE !!
Texas massacre baby !!
@fred thats was exactly what i was thinking ! you made me laugh thank you !
@FoundWood: Thank you, and I hope you do as well. I am sure you do a very fine job of carving your niche in life...
All due respect, sincerely...
If Emac runs away from Kroc in the next race, it will begin to get in his head that maybe he's better than I am. What an advantage that is, going to the line and all others are racing for 2nd place. I think all these riders are surrounded by excellent people that have raced and experienced these circumstances their whole career. No matter how much advise you get though, it's still a mental game that takes place in thier skulls. Emac is weak on his starts, maybe due to his size and weight. That should help Kroc. I like both of these kids. They are so upbeat and not stuck on themselves (yet).
So how big was the check that geicko honda wrote to ET to keep at least one #1 plate on their bikes. I'm guessing it was a lot to keep him off the 450
Not sure Geico/FC had to dish out to keep Eli on the 250. His parents have been very cautious with his development and I'm sure John was in favour of Eli doing another SX season on the 250. It is good for a rider's development to defend a title. The repeat is often more difficult than the first. I would not be shocked to see him on the 450 for outdoors though, Geico/FC already has a 450 sitting there as K-dub is SX only, plus they have 4 other 250 riders in Osbourne, Bell, Hahn and Bogle.
Interesting discussion. I remember seeing Tomac for the first time when he came over to Europe to contest the 85cc championship where he finished 7th. He was 14 years old at the time, and one of the riders who beat him that day was a skinny little 11 year old kid called Ken Roczen, who finished 2nd. The following year he won the title as a 12 year old, something no one else has ever done. Kenny has achieved so much in such a short time that people think he is far older than he actually is. To start suggesting he will be owned by Eli is simply stupid talk. He has traveled to the US to take on your best and he has been spectacular for a kid who, if he was an American, would probably still be in the amateurs. SX is relatively new to him. He did a few races two years ago and his first full season was last year, so I really don`t know why some people are putting him down.
I said it before and was ridiculed for my statement, but I'll say it again. Ken Roczen will rule MX and SX in America in the years to come. Luckily there will be some real opposition in the form of Barcia and Tomac, but he will beat them nevertheless.
Sit back and enjoy this kid. Riders like him don't come along every day. Our loss was definitely your gain.
Ken will be 19 in April. How can you say he would still be in amateurs if he was an American?!
I agree he has does good for a Euro rider in the states. But SX isn't something American riders are really doing all their amateur days either. Ken came over here and practiced on the same tracks that our guys learn on. Cooper Webb, Adam Cianciarulo. Things are not going to get easier for Ken.
@Phoenix1; Isn't it about time for (another) name change... you've just exposed the real you (again), before RacerX blocks you (again). Ha, Ha, Ha!!!!
Old Dog, No New Tricks, by you...Whoof!!!
PS Northwest is one word, and it's Orygone, you small brain!
@Euromike: Either your meds are finally adjusted to your condition or....some impostor has taken over your username. Whichever the case, I'm glad you worked it out. Because everything you said rings true, in my opinion. Other posters on this thread keep trying to convince (themselves) young 18 year old Ken is on his third year in the SX250 Class.
He ran a full year last year in '12 and a partial the year in '11 the year before.
Some here have their "selective memory" working again this early January. They just don't seem to have a good grasp on reality. Poor Dudes!
@caseypons - Yeah, than you must be easily misled because either his math sucks or he embellishes the truth or out right made it up.
" He was 14 years old at the time, and one of the riders who beat him that day was a skinny little 11 year old kid called Ken Roczen"
Roczen was born April of 1994. Eli Nov 1992. But back then they has 3 years betwenn them. Is that because of the time difference between Europe and U.S.A ?
lol.
That's fine. Mike Alessi was a mini phenom and used to beat RV all the time. Doesn't mean much now.
I like KRoc and I'm glad he came to the states to race.