Eli Tomac delivered a powerful statement at Anaheim 1, leading the 450SX main from start to finish and securing his first major victory of the season. In a race filled with questions about his transition to a new team, fresh equipment, and advancing age, Tomac’s commanding performance left no doubt about his capabilities, making the Eli Tomac Anaheim 1 victory the story of the night.
Tomac Takes Control from the Gate
Entering the Anaheim 1 event, there was widespread speculation about whether Eli Tomac could adapt to his new manufacturer and program after a challenging preseason. Defying expectations, Tomac seized control of the main event right from the drop of the gate, never relinquishing his lead in the 20-minute race. The crowd witnessed a calm surface, but Tomac later revealed that the race was far from easy mentally:
“Those races are tough, leading from basically the get-go,”
Tomac said.
“Focusing for those full 20 minutes… those are some of the toughest races.”
– Eli Tomac, Rider
Throughout the race, Ken Roczen remained close, applying pressure and forcing Tomac to maintain laser focus for every lap. Tomac described the experience as an intense psychological battle:
“It becomes a mind game of focus… marking where they’re at. Kenny was keeping me very, very honest the whole time.”
– Eli Tomac, Rider
Behind the Scenes: Fine-Tuning and Confidence
As the race unfolded, Tomac credited a crucial late adjustment to his motorcycle for helping him peak at the right moment. He noted that the small technical modification made before the main event played a significant role in his dominant ride:
“The motorcycle was probably the best it’s been all day, and that was in the Main Event,”
Tomac said.
“We made one small change… and went the right direction.”
– Eli Tomac, Rider
Despite the hurdles of adapting to new equipment and team surroundings, Tomac admitted that no amount of preparation off the track could match the stress and unpredictability of lining up against the best in Anaheim:
“You don’t know until you get out here and race everyone straight up.”
– Eli Tomac, Rider
Tomac pointed out the irreplaceable nature of the real race environment:
“That’s where racing, you cannot replicate it,”
Tomac said.
“When your adrenaline’s going and everything’s on the line… that’s where you really find out what works and what doesn’t.”
– Eli Tomac, Rider
Always open to improvement, he acknowledged the importance of making technical adjustments throughout the event:
“I’ve been very locked in with that scoop tire,”
he said.
“But sometimes you’ve got to make a change to get better.”
– Eli Tomac, Rider
Mastering Key Sections and Race Execution
Tomac meticulously constructed his strategy by pinpointing critical segments of the track, ensuring he executed with precision each lap:
“The two sections I absolutely had to be on it were through the tunnel and the triple onto the tabletop,”
Tomac said.
“I can’t miss this — that’s a big chunk of time.”
– Eli Tomac, Rider
By capitalizing on a late lane change inspired by Max Anstie and maintaining a relentless pace, Tomac managed to keep Roczen at bay. He described knowing exactly what was needed to secure the win:
“I had the feeling of the pace that I needed,”
he said. – Eli Tomac, Rider
Defying Age and Cementing a Lasting Legacy
Tomac’s triumph at Anaheim 1 not only marked the start of another Supercross season but also extended his remarkable run to 12 consecutive seasons with a main event victory, achieved across four different motorcycle manufacturers. This consistency is rare and a testament to Tomac’s skill and adaptability. Reflecting on the passage of time and his ongoing drive, Tomac remarked:
“It’s kind of scary to think about it.”
– Eli Tomac, Rider
He further addressed doubts about his physical and mental state:
“My mind still feels good. I’m still into it. Physically I’m well. So yeah… here I am.”
– Eli Tomac, Rider
As questions about his retirement or ability to excel with new equipment circulated, Tomac emphasized that his Anaheim 1 performance answered the critics:
“It puts a lot of questions to rest,”
Tomac said.
“Age. Switching teams. Changing motorcycles — that’s one of the biggest things you can do in our sport.”
– Eli Tomac, Rider
A Signal Sent to the Rest of the Field
This opening night victory wasn’t about championship points—it was about proving that Eli Tomac remains a force at the sharp end of Supercross, regardless of changes surrounding him. The clarity of his win, leading the main event from start to finish, sent a clear message to veterans and newcomers alike. With visible confidence and no sign of slowing down, Tomac’s performance at Anaheim inspired teammates, rivals, and fans throughout the stadium. As the season unfolds, anticipation is high about how Tomac’s win will influence the championship race, and whether anyone can disrupt his momentum after this statement victory in Anaheim.
