In the heart of another thrilling Pro Motocross season, fans are witnessing a showdown that transcends generations: Eli Tomac vs. Jett Lawrence. For Tomac, a decorated veteran and multi-time champion, the emergence of the Australian phenom has added a fresh spark to the sport — and to his own competitive fire.
After another electrifying battle at Thunder Valley, where Jett Lawrence narrowly edged out Tomac in a late-race duel, the 32-year-old veteran had nothing but praise for his young rival.
“It’s a joy, really,” Tomac said. “I’ve been in this sport a long time, and racing someone like Jett — the way he rides, his precision, his speed — it pushes me. That’s what you want as a racer.”
The respect is mutual. Lawrence, 21, who continues to build on his undefeated outdoor streak, has frequently pointed to Tomac as a rider he grew up watching — and now, as a benchmark he aims to surpass.
“Eli’s a legend, simple as that,” Lawrence said. “To be out there with him, banging bars and battling until the last lap — that’s the stuff I dreamed about as a kid.”
Tomac, who returned to racing in 2025 after missing much of the 2023 and 2024 seasons due to injury and a brief retirement, has looked revitalized this summer. While he’s yet to topple Lawrence in a moto this year, he’s been the closest to doing so — and fans have taken notice.
Social media has lit up with calls for this rivalry to headline the sport, and race attendance has seen a notable bump in rounds featuring both stars healthy and on the gate.
“When you’re racing someone as talented and composed as Jett, you have to be perfect,” Tomac said. “There’s no room for error. But that’s what makes it fun again.”
For now, the mutual admiration remains strong — but don’t mistake that for a lack of intensity. As the season barrels toward its midpoint, Tomac remains hungry for a win, and Lawrence knows each week brings a bigger target on his back.
One thing is certain: with Tomac and Lawrence going bar-to-bar, Pro Motocross fans are in for a summer to remember.
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