WSX Round Summary: Tomac Triumphs in KTM Debut
Canadian Motorsport Centre, October 7, 2023 – Eli Tomac claimed his first overall victory with Red Bull KTM at the third round of the World Supercross (WSX) series, showcasing exceptional pace and resilience in challenging track conditions.
Tomac secured the holeshot in race three, quickly establishing a commanding lead. Despite a slow start from Ken Roczen, who emerged from turn one in eighth, Roczen mounted an impressive charge, reaching second place by the end of lap two. However, Roczen’s decision to revert back to jumping the whoops proved costly, allowing Tomac to extend his lead. “I was an idiot for going back to the whoops,” Roczen admitted post-race, acknowledging that slippery conditions hampered his performance. Ultimately, Tomac finished first, with Roczen in second and Cooper Webb taking third after a late-race crash earlier in the event.
The podium saw Tomac and Roczen at the top, marking an all-wildcard configuration. Jason Anderson’s consistent finishes of 2-3-4 earned him the final spot on the overall podium, marking his first podium appearance with the PMG Suzuki team. He fended off persistent pressure from Christian Craig, who finished fifth, unable to make a decisive move.
Tomac reflected on the race’s technical challenges, stating, “This is a perfect start for us. The first moto was easy, but by the last one, it was tough out there. Great weekend for us.”
In terms of championship standings, Roczen retains the lead with a 20-point advantage over Anderson, who has a slim five-point cushion over Craig. However, Roczen’s future in the series remains uncertain, as he is currently listed as a wildcard entry, potentially shifting the championship dynamics.
Key Results:
- 1st: Eli Tomac (Red Bull KTM)
- 2nd: Ken Roczen (Wildcard)
- 3rd: Cooper Webb (Wildcard)
- 4th: Jason Anderson (PMG Suzuki)
- 5th: Christian Craig (Quad Lock Honda)
The next round promises to intensify the championship race as the series progresses.
