Eli Tomac’s career has been nothing short of legendary, with his consistent dominance in the Supercross and motocross circuits establishing him as one of the sport’s greatest talents. However, two of Supercross’ most iconic figures, Ricky Carmichael and Ryan Villopoto, recently took a step back to compare Tomac’s current streak of success with the incomparable legacy of Jeremy McGrath.
McGrath, often referred to as “The King of Supercross,” reigned supreme during the 1990s, with his seven Supercross championships and 72 wins still standing as monumental achievements in the sport. While Tomac has been nothing short of a powerhouse in recent years, Carmichael and Villopoto were quick to point out that McGrath’s dominance during his era was an entirely different kind of feat, with Supercross in the 90s being a different beast compared to today’s fierce competition.
“Jeremy McGrath was a different animal,” Carmichael remarked. “He was the standard for excellence, and there was an unmatched level of consistency in his prime. Eli’s done something incredible, but it’s not easy to compare the two eras.” Despite the difficulty of the comparison, both Carmichael and Villopoto noted that Tomac’s own string of victories, including his consistent podium finishes, has solidified his place in Supercross history alongside McGrath.
Tomac has accumulated multiple Supercross wins, and his current pursuit of yet another championship has been one of the most talked-about storylines of 2025. With the chase for the checkered flag in full swing, Carmichael and Villopoto were eager to discuss what “chasing checkered flags” means to Tomac in 2025. For Tomac, it’s more than just about collecting wins; it’s about legacy, consistency, and competing at the highest level well into his career.
Eli Tomac recently revealed that while a Supercross championship is always his ultimate goal, the passion for racing is still his main motivator. “For me, it’s not just about the titles. It’s about the process—the preparation, the battles, and the satisfaction of earning those wins. I know I’ve done a lot in my career, but there’s still fire in my belly. I want to continue pushing the limits,” Tomac stated.
However, despite Tomac’s immense talent, many believe that he is unlikely to catch McGrath’s win tally. According to recent simulations, Eli Tomac is the second-most likely rider to win the Supercross season championship, but even then, he still faces stiff competition from other riders who continue to push him to the limit.
Tomac, though, seems unconcerned with the comparisons. “Jeremy’s records are amazing, and I’ll always respect that,” he said. “But I’m focused on my own journey and what I can achieve in the present and future.”
As we look ahead to the rest of the 2025 Supercross season, it’s clear that while McGrath’s legacy remains untouchable in terms of wins, Tomac’s pursuit of yet another title and his ongoing success in the sport will likely define his own chapter in Supercross history. Whether or not he surpasses McGrath’s win count, Eli Tomac is writing his own story—one that continues to inspire both fans and fellow riders alike.
