Ping,
I type this as the Salt Lake City 450 main is coming to a close. And it led me to ask this question: Has Eli Tomac taken over the title of fastest rider in the world? I think he might have.
Eli's ride in the main gave me goosebumps. After the start, I said out loud, "He's not going to catch Dungey." Then I spent twenty minutes watching Eli prove me wrong in jaw dropping fashion. I really hope he can stay healthy during his career because I think we are getting to witness something very special in Mr. Tomac.
What's your take? Is Eli the new King of Speed?
Thanks!
Seth
Seth,
I’m not going to compare speeds of different riders at different times, but Tomac is certainly the fastest rider on the planet at the moment. I said last year that expectations for Eli in supercross were too high. While he had that amazing five-moto run in the 2015 Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship, he never really showed that kind of dominance inside. His 2016 year was a wash, for the most part. And this year he looked like things were going about the same until we got to Glendale. Whatever the change was on the bike or in his head, or both, something clicked for Tomac. Since that night he has consistently shown the speed that everybody has been expecting out of him. Eli’s mental game is on a higher plane right now and that is something that happens in this sport. Confidence plays such a factor that when one guy truly believes he can win every time he lines up, he usually does; that’s why we have stretches of one rider winning most of the races. Henry Ford once said, “Whether you believe that you can or that you can’t, you are usually right.” Henry was one smart bastard and even though he wasn’t talking about dirt bikes he totally nailed it. Eli genuinely believes he will win and until another rider can clear that mental hurdle it’s going to be the Eli Tomac show. Get some popcorn and find a seat because it’s going to be fun to watch.
PING
Ping,
Couple questions for you this week.........Will you be racing all three rounds of the FMF 125 Dream race series? If so which one of your bikes will you be riding?
Schlermy Beckerman
Schlermy,
Unfortunately, I can’t make all three. As much as I love this Triple Crown concept, my daughters have a club soccer tournament that I’m not willing to miss. Being a dad comes first and I won’t apologize for that. I will be at Thunder Valley and Washougal and I can’t wait for it. I have a KTM 125 lined up that I am picking up next week. I still need to get it set up to race and find a way to get it to Thunder Valley and Washougal. If anybody wants to help there’s a free Racer X Illustrated subscription in it for you. I hope that the first couple events were announced early enough that the gates will fill up like they did at Washougal last year. This 125 racing is honestly a blast and the fans will love watching/listening/smelling it, especially if they are old enough to legally order a beer. Now I just need to sort out my jetting for Colorado. What is it, 5280 feet?
PING
Ping,
Got a question for ya ping... So I'm a very big fan of all things Dirtbike. I have my favorites and of course the guys I can't stand. I am a Stewart fan like no other (both brothers)! I see all the time anything that is posted about him that all of these bottom feeders come out and just immediately start typing away like he is the scum of the earth! My opinion modern day Moto would not be anywhere near what it is without him as he progressed the sport like crazy (and I believe still will)! But my question is how do you deal with it? What I mean is I know you have your favorites and the guys you’re not found of, we all do...but when you are on social media or hear someone talking nonsense what keeps you from just putting them in their place or going to word war with some idiot that most likely the only riding he has done is the computer chair to the fridge to get another energy drink!!
Thanks
Adam from Kentucky
Adam,
The smart thing to do is just walk away. The mature move is to keep it classy and take the high road. What you should do is kill them with kindness. However, I occasionally let the bottom-feeders pull me into the muck and I start slinging poo like an angry monkey high on coca leaves. Just like any other person I have my breaking point and I have snapped. I can tell you that it usually doesn’t end well and even if I feel justified in the moment there is always some level of regret. Both of the Stewart boys are great for the sport. James, in particular, changed the way riders attack a motocross track; you can see his influence on every single young rider today. There is no denying he had a major impact on our sport. Malcolm is a character and hopefully he can find a good ride to get him to all the races. His smile and personality are qualities we need to have in racing. You’re going to hear ignorant things for as long as the internet exists. Just focus on those who are playing nice and ignore the others. And if you see me losing my cool, remind me to stop being an assface. Thanks.
PING
Have a question for Ping? Email him at ping@racerxonline.com.
