Eli Tomac made his return to racing a week ago and Budds Creek and was strong immediately, earning fourth place in the first moto. He sputtered a bit in the second moto, however, scoring a very un-Tomac-like 11th place. Tomac would have none of those issues at Ironman, however, as he was strong all day, going 4-3 for third overall to get on the podium in just his second race back. Afterward he spoke with the press.
Eli, we welcomed you back a week ago, but today, specifically in that second moto, this looked like the Eli Tomac we’re used to seeing. You looked a little more like yourself out there. You were making passes and had a lot more confidence, and it shows with a podium.
Eli Tomac: Yeah, it was nice to have two good motos, not just one. I kind of got a similar start in both motos, and was able to make a pass on Hunter [Lawrence] in the second moto to get third. Overall, I’m happy with having two solid motos and getting back in the game.
How important was this podium overall to build momentum going into the SMX Playoffs?
Well, it’s definitely nice just to get gate drops, period. I notice it being away for the summer. No matter what you do at home, and however hard you train you don’t simulate that first lap and those first few corners. It seemed pretty wild to me, that sprint speed, and I was like, "Okay, I need to up my game on the first lap." It’s good to get those gate drops in because I’m sure SMX is going to be even more of a sprint.
Is there any element of coming out for motocross, of trying to show yourself for Motocross of Nations? Was that a thought in your mind?
If I would have been the number two guy, yeah, I would have said sign me up. But AP [Aaron Plessinger] was the number two guy. But it was really all of it, just getting back into motocross knowing I’m going to race in 2025, and I was signed up to race it this year. It’s good just to get racing.
Related: Tomac Takes Himself Out of Consideration for Team USA at MXoN
It looked like your speed was there in both motos today. How did you make gains during the week? Was it just being back at the races?
We did make a fork change, I had a different fork this weekend. That was nice. You’re right, I had the speed of the front group at least, I was able to see them this weekend and be right there. That was good. I had good starts, and it was just a better day.
What’d you think of the new start and the woods section?
I enjoyed it. The whole track has a lot of cool elements to it. The woods section was a little bit sketchy, but at the same time it was something different. It had a cool little flow to it. I did almost wash out in there. Guys were crashing. It’s a fun track, it’s a technical track.
You returned a week ago and had really good finishes in the eyes of many people. I’m not sure you were satisfied, but how are you feeling now about getting on the podium in just your second race back after a long layoff?
You always want to win, no matter what, but at the same time you have to be somewhat realistic. These guys are finely tuned up right now and they’re in race mode. I’m pretty satisfied with the day and this third.
You have that recent injury, and I’m curious if anything is lingering or still bothering you.
I need to build a little more endurance, for sure. One thing you miss is literally having callouses on your hands. My hands were destroyed today just from not racing and not getting enough motos in. Little things like that. I definitely need a little more strength in my thumb too.
