DENVER – With a perfect record of four moto victories and two overall titles in the first pair of races on the Pro Motocross series, everything certainly has been falling into place for champion racer Eli Tomac. After such a commanding start, there’s every reason to believe that theme should continue this Saturday at the Thunder Valley Nationals in Tomac’s home state of Colorado.
“I think most fans know Colorado is my home state, so this race definitely feels special to me,” Tomac said. “I live in Cortez, which is in the other side of the state, but just being in the thin air, it’s home. I’m very comfortable in these conditions because I train at home pretty much year-round, except for the winter months. I won’t get gassed.”
Riding nearly flawlessly in Sacramento and San Bernardino, Calif., Tomac has won his four motos by an average of 43 seconds, a virtual romping in the nip-and-tuck world of professional motocross. His fast start has helped him build a 19-point advantage over Supercross champion Ryan Dungey and a 36-point edge on third-ranked Weston Peick.
“I hope to keep doing what I’ve done in the first two rounds,” Tomac said. “I need to keep getting good starts and riding clean. I definitely want to point out that this GEICO Honda has been in an awesome spot this year also. The guys are doing great getting it dialed in for me. It’s pretty cool to be in this position.
“I’ve done well at Thunder Valley in the past, at least on a 250. Last year I missed that race with an injury, so this will actually be my first there on a 450, which will be very cool. Hopefully, we keep this run going.”
In three professional 250 starts at Thunder Valley, Tomac has five podium finishes, topped by an overall victory in 2013 when he went 2-1 in the day’s two motos.
Now at the top level of the sport, he knows his rivals will be gunning for him. He also knows if the going gets tough, his loyal supporters will be there for him.
“I’m sure the Colorado fans will be pulling for us, and if I get into a heated battle with someone they will be able to pull me through,” Tomac said. “You can definitely hear the fans when they are cheering and it does give you a boost. I can’t wait to get there and try to extend this streak we’re on right now.”
The first motos will be broadcast live from 1 to 3 p.m. Mountain time on MAVTV. The second motos will air live on NBCSN from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m.