ELI TOMAC: “I’m getting back on the line”

Cortez, Colorado, is a small municipality in Montezuma County, boasting a sprawling 6,274 square miles and sitting at 6,181 feet of elevation. It is also home to the Flying T Ranch. Founded in 1993 by World Cup Mountain Bike racer John Tomac and his wife Kathy, the ranch and winery have served as the base for the remarkable Eli Tomac. A four-time AMA Pro Racing 450cc Class champion and two-time Monster Energy Supercross Series champion, Eli Tomac has called Cortez home throughout his entire 15-year professional racing career.

A website promoting Cortez and the Flying T Ranch states:

“So, next time you’re sipping a glass of red wine or watching motocross highlights, remember that Cortez, Colorado, gave us both the Flying T Ranch’s vineyard and the thunderous roar of Eli Tomac’s bike.”

Eli Tomac, reflecting on setting up the Flying T Ranch and the home base that contributed to his status as one of the greatest motocross and supercross racers, said: “We did it our way, and it worked out.”

Less than a week after securing a podium finish at the Ironman National in Indiana, Tomac, who had recently recovered from a Bennett fracture in his thumb, found himself in Cortez contemplating the highs and lows of being a world-class motorsports athlete.

“It is not an easy thing, and it’s something that you have to learn to overcome as a racer,” Tomac explained about his battle to return from another injury. “In our sport, the highs and lows can mean injury, struggling to stay healthy for a period of time, or trying to find the right settings and feeling comfortable on the bike. At the end of the day, it all comes down to results. Yes, it really does come down to results, but there are so many variables involved. However, that’s what makes racing so cool. Racing is about the best man winning. It’s green flag to checkered flag. If you perform and win, you’re the best guy for that time and moment. That’s what’s so cool. It’s not a judged event—the winner is simply the first one to cross the finish line. You cross the line first, and you’re the winner.”

With his father John being a legendary bicycle racer and member of the United States Bicycling Hall of Fame, Eli Tomac discussed the athleticism required to excel in supercross and motocross.

“Yes, the sport is extremely athletic, which makes it unique,” said the 31-year-old Tomac. “It’s a skill-based sport where the rider’s role is heavily weighted. The equipment is important, but in our sport, the rider is a huge part of the performance equation. Athleticism plays a major role. There are many variables, and it’s a fine line between being built like a gymnast or having excellent cardio. It’s all about balance. You can get maybe 90 percent there with a general training program, but that last 10 percent is crucial.”

Two rounds into his return from the Bennett fracture, Tomac was pleased with his speed and endurance, which led to his podium finish at the Ironman.

“Well, that was my goal coming back from this thumb injury,” Tomac said about his podium result in Indiana. “My goal was to get on the podium, and I was able to do that. It’s a great start for the SMX events coming up and for next year. It will be helpful for the next motocross season, too. More time on the bike leading into 2025 will be beneficial because I was hurt last year as well. Overall, I’m happy with the comeback so far.”

“Yeah, I’m feeling pretty good,” Tomac continued. “At Budds Creek, I felt a bit off on speed in moto one and struggled in moto two. At the Ironman, I turned it around. My fastest lap times were close to the leader, and I performed better in moto two, which I missed the week before. I still need more strength in my thumb to get back to 100 percent. I’m happy with the direction things are going. I’m going to get stronger.”

Tomac firmly believes that nothing beats the intensity of racing for achieving peak performance.

“Yes, you can try many things at home and test yourself against the clock, but nothing compares to racing. You learn so much in that environment. At the end of the day, you have to race to see where you and your motorcycle stand against the field.”

Looking ahead to the 2024 SuperMotocross World Championship, set to launch on September 7, 2024, at zMAX Dragway in Concord, North Carolina, Tomac is optimistic.

“My mindset now is that after the podium in Indiana, my next goal is to battle for a win in the SMX series,” said Tomac. “There’s a lot on the line, and since I didn’t race it last year, we may need to make some small changes to the motorcycle from our usual supercross settings. Overall, I’m excited for the new challenge and eager to test.”

Will he have a shot at a win in the three-round SMX series?

“I totally think so,” answered Tomac. “If I get a good start, I believe I’m in the mix for battling for a win. I’m getting stronger every weekend, and my thumb is improving, so I’ll have no excuses. I’m just looking forward to racing the SMX events.”

With hybrid circuits featuring high-speed straights, wide corners, and supercross-themed technical jump sections, Tomac is enthusiastic about the SMX MX/SX racetracks.

“It fits my style,” he said. “I didn’t race it last year, but looking at it, the 20-minute races with a mix of high speed work for me. I’m better at high-speed tracks, and the SMX series is a high-speed supercross environment. I think it will fit my style well.”

As part of his return to competition, Tomac will also race in the four-round 2024 World Supercross Championship for the Yamaha-backed Craig Dack Racing team.

“WSX and everything is part of a building process,” Tomac explained. “There are multiple reasons I’m racing the WSX. The number one reason is getting back on the line and into the groove. Nothing replicates the race environment. The second reason is the opportunity to travel and see places like Australia, Canada, and Abu Dhabi. It’s a chance to explore the world, and I think it’s fitting for the amount of racing I’ve done this year. I believe this will work out well for everyone involved.”

Tomac appreciates the enthusiasm from race fans around the world regarding his return to racing in 2024 and 2025.

“It’s great to see the fans,” Tomac said. “There’s nothing better than seeing the number 3 shirts in the autograph lines and fans at the track. Staying in the sport longer helps build connections with the fans. I’m excited to race another year. I anticipate it will be my last full season of professional racing, and I’m looking forward to it.”

As recently announced, Eli Tomac will return to Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing for 2025 and will compete in the SMX World Championship.

“It’s been a great match,” said Tomac, who will enter his fourth year with Yamaha in 2025. “Yes, the supercross endings have been unfortunate the last two years, but that’s racing. Overall, it’s been a great fit, and we’re going to keep improving. We’re signed up for another year, so it’s good for all of us.”

After 15 years in the sport, Tomac has made it a point to set a positive example for what it means to be a world-class racer.

“In my opinion, presenting yourself well is crucial,” Tomac said. “You want to be a good role model for kids, inspiring them to become the next 450 champion and be at the top. Leaving a good example is important, and I try my best to do that.”

As he approaches what is likely to be his final year as a championship-contending racer, Tomac reflects on his career with satisfaction.

“I’m really happy with how long I’ve made it,” said Tomac, who competed in his first AMA Pro Racing event on May 22, 2010, at the Hangtown Motocross Classic. “I didn’t see myself racing past 30. It’s not about the number; it’s about doing what you love. I’ve always told myself that as long as I’m competitive, I’ll keep going. My longevity has exceeded my initial expectations. It’s a bit scary how quickly 15 years have passed, but it’s been a fantastic journey.”

At 31, with a full year of racing ahead, Tomac is aware that his professional career is nearing its end. He is at peace with the idea, appreciating the satisfaction of competing at the highest level.

“I think it will be hard to replace,” Tomac said. “Being able to compete and do something at the highest level you’ve always dreamed of is incredible, and you have to be grateful for those moments.”