Eli Tomac, one of the most dominant riders in motocross and supercross, has had a legendary career, with multiple victories at the Daytona Supercross. As he prepares to miss out on this year’s race, Tomac took a moment to reflect on his career and shared his pick for the 2025 Daytona race, naming Ken Roczen as his favorite to win.
Tomac has a special connection to Daytona, having dominated on its iconic track for many years. With eight wins in a span of eight years, the 450SX Daytona track has become a place where Tomac feels truly at home. He practices on similar soil and has consistently performed well at the race, with his worst finish at Daytona being 4th place in 2013. In total, Tomac has made 11 starts in the Daytona 450SX, setting a record for the most wins at the event. His experience and success at Daytona are unmatched, making his absence from the 2025 race feel like a significant moment for the sport.
While Tomac won’t be racing this year, he still has a keen eye on the competition. His pick for a potential winner at Daytona is Ken Roczen, a racer known for his incredible skill and resilience. Tomac admires Roczen’s ability to thrive on the tough Daytona track, attributing his success to the spirit and skill that make him an ideal contender. Roczen’s balance, fitness, and riding technique are standout qualities that set him apart on the track, especially on the technical and challenging terrain at Daytona.
Roczen’s balance is a key part of his success, as he is able to maintain control and stay steady in deep ruts, avoiding high-siding and staying consistent throughout the race. His fitness is another aspect that gives him an edge—Roczen is known for being one of the fittest riders in the sport, with intense training that includes heavy squats and weightlifting. This rigorous preparation allows him to excel physically when racing, especially during demanding events like Daytona.
In addition to his fitness, Roczen is a master of riding technique. His skills with whips, scrubs, and seat bouncing set him apart from other riders. He practices riding in turns, tackling mountain trails, and hitting jumps with precision, often pushing himself by riding in gears higher than normal to enhance his performance. Tomac believes these techniques will help Roczen perform at his best during the Daytona race.
As Tomac continues to recover from his injury and rehab, he aims to compete in the final rounds of Supercross before transitioning to the AMA Pro Motocross Championship. Despite missing out on Daytona, Tomac wishes all the racers the best of luck, especially his friend and rival Ken Roczen, who he believes has what it takes to win the prestigious race.
