Eli Tomac captures first career Supercross victory in Phoenix

Eli Tomac bounced back from a disappointing performance in last week’s season opener to claim the first 450 Class Supercross win of his career Saturday night in Phoenix.

It was a hard-fought battle for the win. The fastest rider in practice, Tomac grabbed the holeshot off the start of the main event but was soon passed by Ken Roczen on the opening lap. Roczen led the first seven laps of the race, then Tomac closed in, and after some spectacular back-and-forth racing between the two, Tomac finally made a pass stick and held on to lead the final 13 laps.

The win was a much-needed one for the GEICO Honda rider, who dug himself a giant hole in the point standings last week after several crashes relegated him to a 20th-place finish.

Roczen finished second in Phoenix after his victory last week, and it looks like Tomac vs. Roczen could be a common theme throughout the season, as the two riders were the clear frontrunners in this race.

Ryan Dungey secured the final spot on the podium after passing Weston Peick for third with three laps to go.

The 250 Class also featured a first-time winner, as Cooper Webb passed Malcolm Stewart on Lap 5 en route to victory. Stewart held on for second, and Jessy Nelson rounded out the podium to retain possession of the points lead.

Phoenix 450SX Results
1. Eli Tomac
2. Ken Roczen (-6.4 seconds)
3. Ryan Dungey
4. Weston Peick
5. Davi Millsaps

450SX Points Standings
1. Ken Roczen, 47
2. Ryan Dungey, 38
3. Jason Anderson, 37
4. Trey Canard, 33
5. Weston Peick, 32

Phoenix 250SX Results
1. Cooper Webb
2. Malcolm Stewart (-5.4 seconds)
3. Jessy Nelson
4. Tyler Bowers
5. Aaron Plessinger

250SX Points Standings
1. Jessy Nelson, 45
2. Cooper Webb, 39
3. Tyler Bowers, 38
4. Zach Osborne, 36
5. Justin Hill, 33