AMA: Finally that 450 title for Eli Tomac!
To keep his theoretical chances intact, Marvin Musquin had to do everything he could in the last round of the season! Only a victory would be enough and the Frenchman also needed a bit of luck. A visibly nervous Eli Tomac had a bad start in the second moto, but a fifth place was enough to secure the title!
After finishing second so many times in a championship, today a heavy weight was clearly lifted from Eli Tomac's shoulders. The past outdoor season also turned out to be an emotional roller coaster for the Monster Energy Kawasaki rider. Tomac had mechanical problems, some very weak matches and he also had two tough rivals for the title in Marvin Musquin and Blake Baggett.
In the first heat, ET3 also made a stupid mistake today in the pursuit of Jeffrey Herlings. However, thanks to a fifth and sixth place, he still won the title. In the final score, the 24-year-old Alpinestars pilot ultimately has a 17-point lead over Musquin and 19 over Baggett.
A carefree and liberated Tomac at the start for the MXGP in Jacksonville next week is of course good news for all fans!
So Tomac: “I have to admit that my ego got to me in the first moto. It was stupid to confront Herlings today of all days. That gave me food for thought between races. But I am so happy that I finally got my first 450 title. This year too was a rollercoaster with ups and downs. Taking the title with the big boys is a dream I've had all my life that has now come true! Actually, I don't think I really realize what happened yet.”
450MX AMA Nationals final standings after 12 rounds
1. So Tomac 470
2. Marvin Musquin 453
3. Blake Baggett 451
4. Dean Wilson 340
5. Cole Seely 330
6. Justin Bogle 308
7. Cooper Webb 268
8. Weston Peick 268
9. Martin Davalos 263
10. Jason Anderson 216
Photos: Monster Energy Kawasaki
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