Tomac on coming back to Supercross, testing tyres and passing Prado

Eli Tomac made a surprising return to the Supercross series for the final two rounds, quickly re-establishing himself as a podium contender. Riding his KTM at the Denver round, his home race, Tomac demonstrated strong pace and competitiveness despite the challenges of a demanding season. His comeback was marked by a notable performance on a new prototype tyre, which he tested extensively during the event to find the right balance and feel on track. The new tyre, described by Tomac as less aggressive than the traditional scoop but similar in design, proved promising in the tough track conditions. He experimented with fitting the tyre in both the forward and reverse directions, ultimately favouring the latter for its lighter feel and the height it provided. Tomac expressed satisfaction with the tyre’s performance, highlighting its suitability for harder-packed surfaces and its potential to enhance his riding experience. Despite his strong showing, Tomac faced some frustrations during the race, particularly after stalling in the sand while running in the top five. He admitted the double stall cost him valuable time and disrupted his rhythm, causing him to lose contact with the race leaders. Nonetheless, he regarded his return to the podium as a significant achievement amid what he described as a roller-coaster season. Tomac also reflected on the difficulty he encountered trying to pass his teammate Jorge Prado, who was closely matching his lines and making overtaking challenging. He acknowledged that he could have been more assertive earlier in the race, especially through the smaller whoops section, which might have prevented Prado from controlling the pace. This tactical battle allowed rival Kenny to gain an advantage, underscoring the fine margins in Supercross racing. Looking ahead, Tomac explained his decision to race the final Supercross rounds rather than focusing solely on the outdoor motocross season. He emphasised his extensive experience and fitness base, which allow him to compete in both disciplines without losing form. For Tomac, the priority is simply to keep racing and maintain momentum, reflecting his enduring passion and competitive mindset as the season draws to a close.