Ricky Carmichael Thinks Eli Tomac Can Break His Daytona SX Record at the 55th Annual Daytona Supercross: ” I want to see him do it. I love seeing history being made, His style fits this track. He is a fantastic rider and a great ambassador but he’s a….”

Few riders have left such an indelible mark on the Daytona Supercross as Ricky Carmichael. Carmichael, known as the “GOAT” (Greatest of All Time) in motocross, has won numerous championships and titles, cementing his place in the sport’s history. However, one of his most well-known accomplishments is his seven consecutive wins at the Daytona Supercross, a record that has stood the test of time since his last victory in 2006.

But now there’s a new challenger in town, and Carmichael believes it’s time to break his record. Carmichael is betting on Eli Tomac, the sport’s superstar and one of the most versatile riders of his generation, to rewrite history at the 55th Annual Daytona Supercross.

Tomac’s aggressive yet smooth riding style has always made him a fan favourite for his ability to perform on nearly any track, but there’s something about Daytona that appeals to him. As Carmichael himself stated, “I want to see him do it.” I love watching history being made. His style complements this track. He’s a fantastic rider and an excellent ambassador, but he’s a racer. He enjoys competition, and that is what makes him unique.”

A clash of generations.

Ricky Carmichael’s dominance at Daytona is legendary. From 1999 to 2006, he won every Daytona Supercross race, cementing his reputation as one of the best dirt bike riders of all time. His relationship with Daytona is more than a race; it demonstrates his skill, mental toughness, and consistency under pressure. No one has come close to replicating his track success, but Tomac’s recent performances have sparked speculation that this could be the year Carmichael’s Daytona legacy is dethroned.

“Daytona has always been special to me,” Carmichael admitted. “It’s a track that demands strength, endurance, and precision, and I’ve always felt at ease there.” But Eli has something about him that I believe can break my record.”

Tomac, who has already established himself as one of the best Supercross riders of his era, appears to be hitting his stride at the right time. He consistently finishes on the podium and has won several championships throughout his career. But it’s his recent form that has many believing he could be the one to finally tackle the legendary Daytona track and break Carmichael’s record.

Tomac’s aggressive riding and ability to adapt to difficult track conditions at the 2023 Daytona Supercross demonstrated that he possesses the tools to compete for the win in 2025. With each passing year, he improves his riding technique, adapting to each track with the precision of a seasoned veteran.

“I’ve always felt like Daytona was a track where I could have a shot at winning,” Tomac recalled. “Ricky’s record is one of those things that you don’t really consider until you’re deep in the mix. But it remains in the back of my mind year after year. It’s a big challenge, but I’m up for it.”

The ideal track for Tomac’s style.

What makes Daytona so special, and why does Carmichael believe Tomac is the right rider to break his record? The answer lies in the track’s unique characteristics.

The Daytona Supercross is not your typical dirt track. It is known for its sand sections, massive whoops, and rugged terrain, making it a difficult challenge for many riders to master. It requires a combination of technical skill, fitness, and the ability to adapt to changing conditions—all of which have become synonymous with Tomac’s riding style.

While Carmichael was known for his unwavering determination on the roughest tracks, Tomac possesses a similar resilience that has allowed him to thrive in a variety of settings. His ability to navigate technical tracks, deal with rough conditions, and consistently set fast lap times puts him in prime position to challenge for the Daytona victory.

According to Carmichael, “Eli has that special combination of aggression, skill, and composure that fits Daytona perfectly.” It isn’t about going fast; it’s about going fast when it matters. He knows how to pace himself, but when the time comes, he knows how to use his power.”

This balance is critical at Daytona, where riders must manage their energy, pace their laps, and seize every opportunity to gain time in the sand or through the rough whoops. It’s a test of not only skill but endurance, which Tomac possesses in abundance, having won multiple AMA Supercross and Motocross championships throughout his career.

The Legacy of Carmichael

Despite his admiration for Tomac, Carmichael is not about to let go of his Daytona legacy without a fight. His connection to the race extends beyond the victories—it is personal. For Carmichael, Daytona represents the pinnacle of his Supercross career, a place where he fought hard and triumphed in the most difficult conditions. It’s more than just another race; it symbolises his dominance in the sport.

However, as much as Carmichael values his record, he is the first to admit that records are designed to be broken. “Records only stand until someone outperforms them. I am excited to see what Eli can accomplish this year. He’s got the talent, and I believe he has what it takes.

Tomac understands Carmichael’s legacy, but he has always thrived under pressure. The prospect of breaking the record excites him, but his primary goal is always to perform well on the track.

“I respect Ricky’s accomplishments, and breaking his record would be amazing,” said Tomac. “But it’s all about doing my best to improve from race to race. If that leads to a victory at Daytona, great. If not, I will keep pushing.”

The Road to the 55th Annual Daytona Supercross

As the 55th Annual Daytona Supercross approaches, excitement is growing. The 2025 event promises to be one of the most exciting in recent years, with Tomac looking to break Carmichael’s record. Whether or not Tomac can pull off the ultimate feat remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: the stage is set for history to be made yet again. Fans are in for a treat as two generations of Supercross greatness collide at Daytona, with only one question remaining: who will win?

If anyone can break Carmichael’s record, it could be Eli Tomac. And for Ricky Carmichael, that would be a reason to celebrate—a time when history continues to unfold and the next chapter of Supercross is written.