2013 Monster Energy AMA Supercross Series
Eli Tomac’s three race winning streak to open the 250SX West season for GEICO Honda in the Monster Energy AMA Supercross series came to an abrupt end on Saturday night at Overstock.com Coliseum in Oakland.
Tomac fell twice in the opening laps of the main event, with the last fall occurring in the whoops section. Tomac sat on the side of the track for a moment. He was able to leave the track under his own power, but his bike was too damaged. Tomac wasn’t able to continue and carded a 20th place finish.
Eli Tomac (GEICO Honda CRF250R Supercross) says: “It was a frustrating night, for sure. I didn’t get the kind of start that I wanted and wound up getting in a big pile up. I was able to get back up from that but a little while later I just lost it in whoops.”
The bad night also cost Tomac his points lead, falling to third in the season standings. Tomac trails new leader Ken Roczen, who won Saturday’s race, by 15 points and second place Cole Seely by four points with five races left in the West season.
Eli Tomac says: “The competition is so close in this class that you can’t afford to have bad nights like this. I’ll just head back, focus on my starts and get ready for next week. It’s a bump in the road, but there still time to come back and get the red plate back.”
GEICO Honda’s second 250 rider Zach Osborne also had a frustrating night, finishing 10th after opening the season with steadily improving performances.
Zach Osbourne (GEICO Honda CRF250R Supercross) says: “In the main, I got a really bad start, but was able to pull through to like fifth or sixth. After that we had a malfunction and lost ground. I’m still building on stuff and feel like my result tonight doesn’t reflect the progress I made.”
Osborne maintained his fourth place position in the points. He’s 18 behind Tomac for third and six points in front of fifth place Jason Anderson.
Zach Osbourne says: “Tonight was a little bit of a bummer, but we’re getting there. Everyone on the GEICO Honda team is working hard toward the same goal. The track tonight was softer and more technical but I’m feeling a lot better on the bike.
“I think it’s only a matter of time before I land on the podium or get a win.”
Up next for GEICO Honda is the Monster Energy AMA Supercross’ third trip to Angels Stadium of Anaheim this season. The racing gets under way on Feb. 2.
