Eli Tomac is back.
After 1,000 days without a moto win due to injury, the multi-time champion roared back to the top in Round 2 of the 2025 Pro Motocross season, claiming victory in Moto 1 at the Hangtown Motocross Classic in Rancho Cordova, California.
Tomac’s ride was classic “Beast Mode.” Starting outside the lead group, he methodically carved through the field to reel in early leader Aaron Plessinger, who was still chasing his first career 450 moto win. Plessinger came out strong, grabbing the holeshot and holding a smooth, fast pace that made him tough to catch.
Jett and Hunter Lawrence, typically strong starters, were fourth and fifth after Lap 1 — a surprising spot for the brothers. Justin Cooper slotted into second early but was quickly overtaken by Tomac, who then set his sights on Plessinger.
By Lap 3, Tomac sat three seconds behind the leader, with Jett Lawrence another three seconds back in third. At the halfway mark, the gap between Plessinger and Tomac had barely budged, but Tomac wasn’t done yet.
On Lap 11, he made his move. The gap dropped to 1.4 seconds. Plessinger answered on the next lap, but with just three to go, he made a few costly errors. Tomac capitalized, closing in and finally making the pass with two laps remaining — a mirror image of last year’s heartbreak for Plessinger, who was also passed late in the race by Chase Sexton in this same round.
Jett Lawrence held on for third, but wasn’t able to challenge the front runners late. Cooper and Hunter Lawrence rounded out the top five.
Meanwhile, Haiden Deegan, who dominated Round 1 at Pala with a clean sweep, had a quieter ride in Moto 1 at Hangtown, but remains a major threat in the overall standings.
Top 5 – 450 Moto 1 (Hangtown):
1. Eli Tomac
2. Aaron Plessinger
3. Jett Lawrence
4. Justin Cooper
5. Hunter Lawrence
Tomac’s win not only marked a triumphant return but also sent a message: the champ is back in the hunt, and he’s not here to ride — he’s here to win.