The 2025 AMA Supercross season kicked off with high drama at Anaheim 1, and one of the most talked-about moments came when Eli Tomac, a veteran rider with a history of dominance, was taken out of the race—only to see Chase Sexton run over him in a chaotic sequence. Despite the intense situation, Tomac’s reaction afterward demonstrated his composure and maturity, showing why he’s one of the most respected riders in the sport.
It all went down during the 450SX Main Event, where Tomac, racing for Monster Energy Star Racing Yamaha, had an early lead. The slick track conditions at Anaheim 1 created challenges for many riders, and as the race progressed, Tomac lost control of his front end and crashed to the ground. As he went down, the action was far from over.
With Tomac on the ground, Jorge Prado skillfully avoided him, but Chase Sexton, who was right on Tomac’s tail, wasn’t able to avoid the fallen rider in time. Sexton ran over Tomac’s bike, a collision that could have caused serious damage to both riders. The moment was tense, and it could have derailed Sexton’s race as well, but the Red Bull KTM rider quickly recovered and capitalized on the chaos by taking the lead and going on to win the race.
For Tomac, however, the fall and subsequent collision didn’t result in any significant injury. He remounted quickly, though the crash cost him valuable time. His reaction after the incident, as the race played out, was one of calm professionalism. In an interview following the race, Tomac took the incident in stride, offering no excuses and showing nothing but sportsmanship.
“I felt the front end just lose grip, and next thing I knew, I was on the ground,” Tomac said. “It’s just one of those things that happens in Supercross, especially with the slick conditions. As for the collision, it was a racing incident. Chase was close, and we’re all going for the same goal. I’m just glad I wasn’t hurt and that I could get back up and finish the race.”
His ability to brush off the crash and maintain a level-headed attitude is a key reason why Tomac has been so successful in his career. Despite the setback, he was able to finish the race in fifth place, a solid recovery given the circumstances.
For Tomac, the crash was a reminder of the unpredictable nature of Supercross racing, where even the best riders can experience setbacks. But his measured reaction after the incident was a testament to his experience and maturity in the sport. While others might have been frustrated or thrown off by the unexpected crash and the collision with Sexton, Tomac remained focused, maintaining a positive outlook and emphasizing the importance of getting back up and continuing to fight.
Looking ahead, Tomac’s response to this incident will likely serve as an example for other riders. In a sport where danger and unpredictability are ever-present, staying composed under pressure is just as important as physical skill. As the season unfolds, Tomac’s resilience and professionalism will undoubtedly keep him in the hunt for another championship, and fans will continue to appreciate his sportsmanship in the face of adversity.
