proved to be crucial in the
less-than-ideal track condi-
tions. Tomac started second
behind Belgian Jago Geerts
(Yamaha) but found his way into
the lead by turn two. Tomac,
who was the only American
rider who competed in 2018,
never relinquished the lead in
The track was arguably at its
worst as overnight rains soaked
the entire RedBud facility. It was
very much deja vu from 2018 with
standing water on the track and
bikes rolling in caked in mud after
the morning practice sessions.
The Americans got a good
jump in the first race, which
VOLUME 59 ISSUE 39 SEPTEMBER 27, 2022 P67
MYOWNRACE
end. "The first race was unbelievable," he
said. "I took the holeshot and led for half
of the race before finishing third. I was so,
so happy. I made a really big mistake in
the final moto and crashed on the start.
I crashed another me too, so it was not
the best race. I was not riding that good
either. I am really happy about my first
race though."
16 JAGO GEERTS
2ND / 11TH (MXGP)
Jago Geerts won the Saturday qualifier
and challenged Eli Tomac in the first
MXGP race on Sunday. "Overall, I am
happy about the weekend," the Belgian
said. "It was really fun on the 450. Win-
ning the qualifying heat yesterday was
unreal, a li le bit unexpected, but really
nice. In the first race, I took the hole-
shot but made a small mistake, which
let Tomac past me. I was able to follow
Tomac for the whole race, so that was
pre y good. I was happy with that. In
the second heat, I had a good start but
crashed twice on the first lap and only
got back to 11th. I am s ll happy with my
riding and my first race on the 450, it was
just a fun weekend."
the wet. Tomac even uncorked
LaRocco's leap late in the race
to maintain his gap over the ever-
present Geerts, the number-two
rider in this year's MX2 Cham-
pionship who was making his
debut on a 450cc. Tomac's win
right out of the gate was a strong
message to the field: Team USA
