Tomac Back on Top
Kitchen sweeps 250SX West Triple Crown event at 2024 AMA St. Louis Supercross
After a devastating Achilles tendon tear cut his 2023 AMA Supercross title pursuit short, Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing’s Eli Tomac made his triumphant return to the top of the podium during the 12th round of the 2024 AMA Supercross season in St. Louis.
Tomac dominated the Triple Crown format at The Dome at America’s Center, going 1-1-1 to run away with his first victory of the season. With the win, Tomac became the sixth different rider to stand atop the podium this season.
After the race, the Cortez, Colo., native reflected on his long journey back to racing glory.
“I had so many questions, and honestly doubt, in my mind that at this point [in the season] before this weekend. [I was] questioning the comeback and where I was,” Tomac said. “To do this here, to feel that way, to get those rides in all through those motos, that felt like old me. This was so awesome… Thank you to the team for believing in me, Monster Energy Star Yamaha, everyone, so thank you, St. Louis.”
Tomac’s teammate Cooper Webb (5-6-2) joined him on the podium, alongside Team Honda HRC’s Hunter Lawrence — whose 8-2-4 finish brought him his first 450SX podium finish in his young career.
“I’m honored to be sharing the podium with Tomac and Webb,” Lawrence said. “I watched these guys racing on this stage when I was still in Australia as a kid, so it’s pretty cool. We’ll take it, try and build, and we’ll try and get a really legitimized one next time we’re back [after the break].”
After an eighth-place finish in St. Louis, largely due to a controversial crash during the final race of the evening, championship leader Jett Lawrence of Team Honda HRC saw his overall lead shrink to just eight points ahead of Webb — who left The Dome at America’s Center with 236 points. With his win, Tomac jumped to fourth in the standings with 215 points while Red Bull KTM’s Chase Sexton remained in third place with 224 points.
Like Tomac, Monster Energy Pro Circuit Kawasaki’s Levi Kitchen dominated the field en route to a Triple Crown sweep of the 250SX West class in St. Louis. Kitchen dedicated his victory to teammate Austin Forkner, who sustained back and shoulder injuries after a scary crash at Arlington AMA Supercross on Feb. 24.
“That was for Austin Forkner back home. I hope he’s healing up good. I know he’s the only other one to do that [sweep the 250SX Class Triple Crown], so yeah, that was sick,” Kitchen said. “I feel really good on the bike. Thanks to the whole Monster Energy Pro Circuit Kawasaki team, all my friends and family… This is pretty surreal so I’m going to soak this one in.”
Team Honda HRC’s Jo Shimoda (2-3-3) and Monster Energy Star Racing Yamaha’s Jordon Smith (3-2-4) also raced their way into podium position on Saturday, March 30.
Kitchen extended his lead in the 250SX West overall standings, climbing to 156 points on the season. Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing’s RJ Hampshire remains in pursuit of Kitchen with 141 points on the season, while Smith holds third place with 130 points.
The AMA SX Futures also took to the track for the third time this season, and Monster Energy Kawasaki Team Green’s Drew Adams secured his second-consecutive win after his victory in Daytona. Rockstar Energy Husqvarna’s Landon Gibson and Troy Lee Designs GasGas’ Cole Davies finished second and third, respectively.
“I just tried to work through [the pack] really good. And I got the triple on the first lap; that was probably the whole race right there,” Adams said. “Then I just got up front and just started riding smooth, you know? I didn’t have to really do the big lines or [anything] but just stay smooth, and [make] no mistakes, and it worked out well.”
The 2024 AMA Supercross season returns April 13 at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Mass. The racing action is set to start at 6:30 p.m. EST and will be streamed live on Peacock.