by Aaron Hansel
250 Words: Oakland
Sunday, January 30, 2011 | 7:00 PM
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Not every great ride results in a win. Sometimes, it’s what a racer does in the face of adversity that shows his performance. For Eli Tomac, Oakland turned out to be one of those nights.
By the time the Lites main event rolled around, sheets of rain had come down, creating a slick and treacherous surface. Gunning for the holeshot in these conditions could be dicey; one wrong move and you become traction for 19 charging motorcycles. None of that seemed to matter to Tomac, and when the gate dropped, he shot down the start stretch and into the lead amidst heavy pressure from Josh Hansen and Ken Roczen. Tomac held steady though, and proceeded to build a small cushion between him and the competition. Then, on lap three, the slippery dirt got the better of the rookie when his front end washed out as he was ripping down the start stretch. Showing heart, Tomac remounted, and was able to charge back up to third before the race was over.
Tomac showed toughness in Oakland.
Garth Milan photo
At first glance, it looks like a good night gone bad. Tomac had been fast all night, but had managed to crash out of the lead all by himself. However, just because you don’t win, doesn’t mean you performed poorly. In this instance, Tomac overcame his misfortune to score his second podium in a row, which is a drastic improvement over rounds one and two, in which he finished tenth and fifth. That is a good night at the races.
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Didn't Tickle win...not one mention of him or his win though???
Mike,
the 250 and 450 words columns aren't always about who won the race.
If Eli grows up with half the character and drive his father had while racing bicycles the kids career is going to go a long long way.
Actually, I don't think Tomac lost the front, looked like the REAR to me.
The silver helmet is so cool, retro. I want one without the Raider emblem of course
I'm really impressed with Roczen. I fully expect him to get a win on one of the less whoop~infested tracks this year, where the Pro Circuit riders will not have such an overwhelming advantage. Go K~Roc, you've earned a fan here in the USA with your talent and 'go for it' attitude.
I have to agree with all 250 words here. Tomac and Roczen were both extremely impressive at the beginning of this race, both ended up going down in the same turn. If they wouldn't have gone down i think Tickle would have had to put in some serious work to get by these 2. Tomac is a good kid and it was great to see him make the podium again, he was very excited about his 3rd place finish. Roczen is yet to keep it on 2 wheels for an entire race, once he figures out how to do this i think we'll see him on the box.
MxSxPlanet.com
Francisco Bulto, You can count me in the fan club too! Really fun to watch Roczen attacking the track. It would be sweet to see him win one at 16yrs old. Anybody know who was the youngest to win SX race?
Props to the man wearing the Raider lid. Lots of guys have donned other team lids, Charger, Steeler and Cowboy versions come to mind but, to sack up and rock one of the gnarliest (interperet however you will) teams in all of sports' colors & logo is quite ballsy. Eli, "Just win, Baby!" Barcia should totally wear one, that would throw down the gauntlet!!!
Yep.. another K-Roc fan...the young guns are the ones to watch...still thinks that Ken Roczen ( K-roc) still is not 100% after his early crashes...very impressive but a bit tooo much "go for broke attitude" from an Outddor MX guy..remember this is his first go at SX...Tomac also fun to watch...they learn fast ...still Hansen looks rock solid...