2024 SuperMotocross Power Rankings after Anaheim 2: Eli Tomac’s Remarkable Leap Among the Top Five
The 2024 SuperMotocross season continues to captivate fans and pundits alike as riders battle across the rugged tracks of the series. After the much-anticipated Anaheim 2 event, a pivotal round in the early calendar, the latest Power Rankings were updated, revealing significant movements among the top riders. Notably, Eli Tomac, the veteran star and multi-time champion, emerged as the biggest gainer among the top five contenders, solidifying his status as one of the main threats in the SuperMotocross Championship (SMX).
This article delves into the key shifts in the rankings post-Anaheim 2, Tomac’s rise, and the dynamic competition shaping up this season.
Anaheim 2, held in the heart of Southern California, traditionally serves as a barometer for how the early stages of the SMX season will unfold. Riders have adjusted to their bikes, teams have ironed out the preseason jitters, and the championship picture begins to take shape. This year, however, the event delivered unexpected turns that impacted the standings. Several riders who were favorites entering the race faced challenges, while others, like Eli Tomac, demonstrated resilience and elite racecraft.
The tight, technical layout at Angel Stadium proved to be an advantage for those with superior control and experience, something Tomac used to his advantage. After a solid yet unspectacular start to the season, his performance in Anaheim 2 reignited his championship campaign and allowed him to surge up the standings.
Eli Tomac’s journey through the 2024 SMX season so far has been a mix of caution and precision. Known for his aggressive style and mental toughness, Tomac has matured into a rider who knows when to push and when to conserve energy. His results earlier in the season were consistent, but many speculated whether Tomac would hit the kind of form that made him a multi-time champion in both Supercross and Motocross.
At Anaheim 2, Tomac answered those questions emphatically. Despite not securing the holeshot, he managed to maneuver through the pack and expertly picked off riders in front of him. His calculated risks on the whoops and precise jumps allowed him to keep pace with the leaders before making his final push in the last quarter of the race.
Tomac’s ability to stay focused under pressure and execute clean passes set him apart. His victory in Anaheim 2 wasn’t just another win; it was a statement that he’s still one of the most formidable competitors on the track. The performance vaulted him up the SuperMotocross Power Rankings, solidifying his place in the top five and reminding the competition that Tomac remains a force to be reckoned with.
Tomac’s rise wasn’t the only movement in the power rankings, but his leap from fifth to second was the most eye-catching. Before Anaheim 2, Tomac was sitting just outside the top three, with some wondering if he had lost a step compared to younger riders like Jett Lawrence and Chase Sexton. However, his Anaheim 2 win flipped the narrative, propelling him past several rivals and positioning him as a genuine championship contender.
The current Power Rankings after Anaheim 2 look as follows:
1. Jett Lawrence: The young Australian phenom continues to lead the pack. His early-season dominance, coupled with his ability to adapt to the evolving tracks, has kept him at the top of the standings. Although he didn’t win in Anaheim 2, a consistent top-three finish helped him retain his position. However, with Tomac breathing down his neck, Lawrence can’t afford to let his guard down.
2. Eli Tomac: As the biggest gainer, Tomac’s experience and tactical approach have allowed him to leap into second place. His Anaheim 2 victory proved that he’s still capable of winning big races, and if he continues in this form, the top spot isn’t out of reach.
3. Chase Sexton: Sexton has shown flashes of brilliance in the 2024 season, but inconsistency has plagued his performances. A crash at Anaheim 2 cost him valuable points, dropping him to third. Sexton has the raw speed to challenge Tomac and Lawrence, but he’ll need to clean up his mistakes to reclaim his earlier momentum.
4. Cooper Webb: The 2024 season hasn’t been as smooth as Webb would have hoped. His starts have been mediocre, and while he clawed his way to a decent finish in Anaheim 2, it wasn’t enough to hold off the surging Tomac. Webb drops to fourth in the standings and will need a stronger showing in upcoming rounds to remain in the championship hunt.
5. Ken Roczen: Roczen, always a fan favorite, struggled at Anaheim 2 and dropped in the rankings. While his speed is undeniable, consistency has always been his Achilles heel. Currently sitting in fifth place, Roczen has work to do if he wants to climb back up the rankings and challenge for the title.
With the season still in its early stages, there’s a long way to go, but Eli Tomac’s rise in the Power Rankings has set the tone for what promises to be a thrilling championship battle. His experience is invaluable, and his ability to manage the pressure of competing against younger riders like Lawrence and Sexton could be the deciding factor in the season’s outcome.
For Tomac, the key to maintaining his upward trajectory will be consistency. If he can avoid mistakes and continue to capitalize on his strengths — particularly his late-race pace and ability to navigate tricky sections — he’ll remain a constant threat. The battle between him and Jett Lawrence, in particular, is shaping up to be a fascinating clash between youth and experience, with both riders capable of winning the championship.
Meanwhile, riders like Chase Sexton and Cooper Webb will need to regroup and find their rhythm. Sexton, in particular, has the raw speed to win races, but his inconsistency has been his undoing so far. If he can minimize his errors and find a way to consistently challenge Tomac and Lawrence, he could easily find himself back in the title conversation.
Eli Tomac’s surge up the Power Rankings after Anaheim 2 is a testament to his tenacity, experience, and ability to deliver when it matters most. As the 2024 SuperMotocross season progresses, his resurgence will undoubtedly keep the pressure on his rivals, particularly Jett Lawrence, as they fight for the championship. With many rounds still to come, the competition is far from over, and if Tomac’s performance at Anaheim 2 is any indication, the veteran still has plenty left in the tank for another title run.
