AMA Motocross News
History was made when rookie Eli Tomac (son of legendary mountain biker John Tomac) won the AMA 250cc Motocross season opener at Hangtown, becoming the first rider in the storied history of the sport to win their professional debut.
Tomac showed exceptional speed in practice and qualifying, leading to speculation that the seventeen-year old rookie might pull a top five finish. But no one (I’m sure not even Tomac himself) expected the rookie to win.
Given the often rude awakening riders experience when they transition to the pro class it was anticipated that Tomac, a top Amateur, would have to acclimate to the class with its field of seasoned talent, coming under the brutal realities of going up against the pros.
As it turned out, young Tomac took over the lead early on in the first moto and began to stretch it, impressing with relaxed speed. Unfortunately Tomac fell while leading, but managed to remount and salvaged a highly respectable 3rd place finish. The second moto saw a mid-pack start before a red flag stopped the action.
On the re-start Tomac was at the front and eventually passed Trey Canard for the lead, going on to open up a commanding lead, eventually winning the second moto. The 3-1 finishes tied him in points to Frenchman (and former World Champion) Christophe Pourcel. However, the rules dictate that the higher place in the second moto breaks ties.
"I definitely didn’t expect this, it doesn’t seem real," exclaimed Tomac. "I felt like I had the speed to get a top five. In moto one, I just pulled the good old rookie mistake. I got tired and just washed out my front end. In moto two, I just followed Trey (Canard) and tried to keep close to him and then made the pass."
So, we have witnessed the emergence of a powerful new talent in motocross. Eli Tomac showed an uncanny ability to rub elbows with the best, not the least bit intimidated by the established stars of the class, exhibiting riding brilliance far beyond his years.
The history books have already recorded the feat, and a Cinderella tale has officially taken root in American motocross. Rest assured that Eli Tomac’s life will never be the same.
Lucas Oil AMA Pro Motocross Championship
42nd Rockstar Energy Hangtown Classic | Round 1 of 12
2010 AMA Motorcross 250 Results (Moto 1 – Moto 2)
1. Eli Tomac, Cortez, Colo., Honda (3-1)
2. Christophe Pourcel, France, Kawasaki (1-3)
3. Trey Canard, Shawnee, Okla., Honda (7-2)
4. Jake Weimer, Rupert, Idaho, Kawasaki (4-8)
5. Justin Barcia, Ochlocknee, Ga., Honda (5-7)
6. Dean Wilson, Canada, Kawasaki (10-4)
7. Broc Tickle, Holly, Mich., Yamaha (11-5)
8. Wil Hahn, Decatur, Texas, Honda (13-6)
9. Tommy Searle, England, KTM (2-31)
10. Tyla Rattray, South Africa, Kawasaki (8-16)
2010 AMA Motocross 250 Championship Points | Round 1
1. Eli Tomac, Cortez, Colo., Honda, 45
2. Christophe Pourcel, France, Kawasaki, 45
3. Trey Canard, Shawnee, Okla., Honda, 36
4. Jake Weimer, Rupert, Idaho, Kawasaki, 31
5. Justin Barcia, Ochlocknee, Ga., Honda, 30
6. Dean Wilson, Canada, Kawasaki, 29
7. Broc Tickle, Holly, Mich., Yamaha, 26
8. Wil Hahn, Decatur, Texas, Honda, 23
9. Tommy Searle, England, KTM, 22
10. Tyla Rattray, South Africa, Kawasaki, 18
The Lucas Oil AMA Pro Motocross Championship continues in two weeks, with round two from Freestone Raceway in Wortham, Texas and the Flagstar Bank Freestone National on Saturday, June, 5th, 2010.