Eli Tomac’s comeback in the 2024 SuperMotocross (SMX) Championship has been nothing short of remarkable, especially given the significant injury setbacks that could have easily derailed his season. Despite missing a crucial chunk of the season due to a ruptured Achilles tendon, Tomac showed the grit, determination, and raw talent that has defined his career. His resilience not only helped him return to the track but also secure a remarkable 3rd place finish in the championship—a feat that few would have predicted after his injury.
At the start of the 2024 season, Eli Tomac was riding a wave of momentum. The multi-time champion was one of the favorites to dominate the SMX Championship, continuing his legacy of excellence in motocross and supercross. However, during the Supercross season in May, disaster struck. Tomac suffered a ruptured Achilles tendon, an injury that has been known to end careers, let alone seasons. His immediate prospects looked bleak, and many questioned whether Tomac would even be able to return to competition, let alone contend for the title.
The injury forced him to miss several key races in the Supercross season, causing a significant drop in points that many thought would take him out of the championship hunt altogether. The physical and mental toll of a recovery from such a debilitating injury is immense. Still, for Tomac, the fire to return never faded. His focus shifted from the short-term challenge of winning races to the longer, more arduous goal of getting back to full fitness and competing at the highest level once again.
Achilles injuries are notoriously difficult to come back from, particularly for athletes in a sport as physically demanding as motocross. The Achilles tendon is responsible for much of the explosiveness and flexibility needed for quick movements on the track, making the injury a serious threat to Tomac’s future. Yet, if there is one thing Eli Tomac has consistently proven over his career, it’s that he thrives in the face of adversity.
Tomac immediately began an aggressive rehabilitation program. While the world of motocross saw his absence as a setback, Tomac was hard at work behind the scenes. The recovery process was grueling, with months of physical therapy, strength training, and mental conditioning. Given his competitive nature, staying away from the track must have been one of the most challenging aspects for Tomac, but he stayed disciplined, trusting the process.
By mid-2024, whispers started circulating that Tomac might make a return before the end of the season. Fans were cautiously optimistic, but no one could predict just how far he would come.
When Tomac made his return to the SuperMotocross Playoffs, he was not at 100%, but he was close. The fact that he was even able to compete after such a short recovery period was a testament to his physical conditioning and relentless work ethic. His return brought excitement and energy back to the paddock, as fans and competitors alike knew that a healthy Eli Tomac is always a threat.
Despite missing a significant number of rounds due to injury, Tomac came into the Playoff 1 race at zMAX Dragway in Concord, North Carolina, ready to make his mark. While the championship contenders had accrued points throughout the season, Tomac’s return injected an element of unpredictability. He had nothing to lose but everything to gain.
In Playoff 1, Tomac delivered a solid performance, shaking off the rust and showing glimpses of the speed and technique that had made him a champion. As the series progressed, his confidence grew, and so did his results.
By the time the final rounds of the SMX Championship came around, Tomac had firmly re-established himself as a force to be reckoned with. His tenacity and unwavering focus allowed him to compete against the best riders in the world, and despite the points deficit from his injury, he clawed his way back into contention.
Tomac’s 3rd-place overall finish in the SMX Championship was nothing short of incredible. To miss so many critical races, and still end up on the podium, highlights just how special a rider he is. The sheer number of points he left on the table due to his injury could have easily relegated him to the middle of the pack, but his ability to return and perform at an elite level was truly extraordinary.
Many would argue that had Tomac been healthy all season, he would have been a favorite for the title. But even without the championship win, this season will be remembered as one of Tomac’s finest moments. It showcased not just his speed and skill but his mental toughness, resilience, and ability to overcome obstacles that would have broken most other riders.
Eli Tomac’s 2024 season adds another chapter to his already legendary career. With numerous championships under his belt, his reputation as one of the greatest motocross riders of all time was already secure. However, this comeback solidified his status as one of the sport’s toughest competitors.
For many fans, watching Tomac power through adversity was a reminder of why they love the sport. It’s not just about the wins and the titles—it’s about the heart, the grit, and the perseverance that champions like Tomac embody.
As Tomac looks toward the future, the question remains: what more can he accomplish? After such a grueling recovery, many might expect him to take it easy, but that’s not in Tomac’s nature. His 3rd-place finish is likely to fuel his desire for another championship run in 2025, and with his body fully healed, there’s no telling what heights he might reach next.
For now, Eli Tomac has once again proven that he is a warrior on two wheels. His ability to return from a devastating injury and still finish as one of the top riders in the world is a story of perseverance, talent, and unwavering belief in himself. While the 2024 SMX Championship may not have ended with him holding the title, his journey to 3rd place will be remembered as one of the great comebacks in motocross history.
