It was a case of what could have been at Hangtown for Eli Tomac.
After a bad start in moto two, and then a crash as he stormed through the field after hitting full beast mode, all combined to ruin Eli Tomac’s chances of beating Jett Lawrence for the overall at Hangtown despite winning the opening moto, Tomac will be even more motivated at his home round in Colorado.
It is a spectacular clash of opposing styles and opposing generations. It is a battle that shouldn’t even be happening, with Tomac supposed to have been retired by now, but this unexpected bonus era is something that fans should make the most of enjoying while they can, as two of the best to ever do it go head-to-head but the biggest disparity is the style they do it in.
Eli Tomac is all throttle and clutch, pin it to win and rail the outsides as Jett Lawrence stands on the pegs half throttle, carrying momentum and picking his way around the track precisely. It’s a modern Stefan Everts v Sébastian Tortelli battle and it is a privilege to watch.
If Tomac wants to beat Jett for the title, however, you feel it is imperative he puts together two good motos at home in Colorado tomorrow to stop Jett creeping away further in the points chase. So far Jett Lawrence has been the one in control, Tomac needs to take control in Colorado. But that is easier said than done against the phenomenon that is Jett Lawrence, who just always finds a way to come out on top when it matters most.
Check out their contrasting approaches to going a very similar speed below:
