Image: Supplied.

A newly discovered strategy has been paying off for Eli Tomac just three rounds into the 2019 Monster Energy AMA Supercross Championship, as he holds down a close second in the points standings.

Tomac, a two-time Lucas Oil AMA Pro Motocross champion, has drawn inspiration from previous champions by bringing consistency into his campaign and setting the tone for the series.

In the first three outings, the Monster Energy Kawasaki rider has landed on the podium twice, finishing third at the weekend’s Triple Crown in Anaheim.

“If you back up to last year, everything was all good and then I’d just fall over and smash my shoulder,” Tomac explained. “As you’ve seen, the past champs have been Mr. consistent throughout the season, so you kind of have to get through these rounds and set the tone – that’s what the past champs have done.

“We gained points tonight on the championship – we’re in a good spot just doing our thing. The three races have been so different and no one’s been the guy at every round. In a way it’s good – for us, we’re way ahead of where we were last year. We’ll just keep trucking along.”

The number three sits just two points shy of red-plate holder Ken Roczen (Honda HRC), who wound up fourth on Saturday night. The overall was by Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Cooper Webb, marking the first premier class victory of his career while becoming the second first time winner in as many rounds.