Pro Motocross series leader out for prestigious international event.
Current Lucas Oil AMA Pro Motocross Championship leader Eli Tomac has revealed he’ll be unavailable to represent the United States of America at the Monster Energy FIM Motocross of Nations, set to be hosted by Matterley Basin in the United Kingdon on 1 October.
Monster Energy Kawasaki’s Tomac, who has represented the country on two occasions in 2013 and 2014, also turned down an invitation to the event in 2016, citing a busy race schedule as his reason.
Tomac made the same comment at Washougal’s post-race press conference, where he made the announcement that he’d sit out of the event in favour of resting prior to pre-season testing and events.
“Right now it’s looking a like a no,” Tomac stated. “It’s schedule – we have to go race the USGP, then we have two weekend’s off I think it is, and then make your way to England. A couple of weeks after that, you have Monster Cup too.
“So for me, we’ve been racing since the first weekend of January, you’re basically putting yourself through the meat grinder all the way through to the middle of October. Right now, it’s probably a no. It’s a super special event, but with how the schedule is now, it’s a pretty terrible time.
“I don’t know what to say, with the two series’ and all the other events – and then having the expectation of being a winner throughout that whole year – it’s tough. No one is at home with you during the week doing the training and the work, that’s where you have to decide where you say no.”
The USA team is yet to be revealed, however it’s traditionally announced at the Unadilla national, which is scheduled for 12 August.