Supercross: Eli Tomac Update

Shan Moore | January 5, 2014

Eli Tomac suffered a shoulder injury in last night’s Supercross Series opener (Photo Shan Moore).

Eli Tomac’s debut as a full-time 450-class rider didn’t go to well for the 2013 250 outdoor National MX Champion. The GEICO/Honda Team rider went down early in his heat race when he and Jake Weimer got together in a rhythm section on the first lap and went down. Tomac injured his shoulder and did not return.

“The decision not to race was the hardest one I’ve ever had to make,” said Tomac, who suffered a pinched nerve, causing his his left arm to go numb numb. “I just have no strength in my arm and shoulder, and I knew I wouldn’t be able to hold onto the bike. It would have been dangerous, and I might have hurt myself even more.

“The best thing to do is get some rest, keep this thing iced up to get the swelling down, and hope I can ride next weekend in Arizona. This certainly isn’t the way I wanted to start the year, but I guess it could have been worse.”

According to Tomac’s father, John, the arm is a bit better today (Sunday, January 5), though it’s still sore and weak in certain movements. Tomac Sr. said that Eli is resting it today and is going to start therapy on it tomorrow and that hey don’t see any breaks or tears. Sr. added that Eli has full movement for the most part and no pain or bad swelling. He will be evaluated more tomorrow. Eli says that he will be able to ride in a few days but isn’t certain yet, but he is optimistic for Phoenix.