Ricky Carmichael, the “GOAT” of motocross, has never been one to shy away from praising greatness when he sees it. As the 55th Annual Daytona Supercross approaches, Carmichael has openly shared his thoughts on Eli Tomac’s potential to break his long-standing record of five Daytona Supercross wins—a feat that many believe is well within Tomac’s reach. In a rare and candid moment, Carmichael expressed both admiration and excitement about the possibility of witnessing history unfold on one of the sport’s most iconic tracks.
“I want to see him do it,” Carmichael said with enthusiasm. “I love seeing history being made. His style fits this track perfectly. He is a fantastic rider and a great ambassador for the sport, but he’s also a fierce competitor who understands what it takes to win here. Daytona isn’t just another track—it’s the toughest, most demanding Supercross event on the calendar, and it brings out the best in riders who know how to combine skill, endurance, and strategy. Eli has shown time and again that he has all of that in spades.”
Daytona International Speedway holds a special place in Carmichael’s heart. Known as “The Ricky Carmichael Signature Design,” the track layout is one that Carmichael has crafted meticulously over the years to challenge riders at every turn. Its combination of deep ruts, sandy stretches, and relentless rhythm sections makes Daytona a proving ground for even the best riders. Carmichael himself dominated the event during his career, winning five times—a record that seemed untouchable until Tomac entered the scene.
Tomac, now with six Daytona wins under his belt, has proven that he thrives under the pressure of this legendary event. His smooth yet aggressive riding style, coupled with an almost uncanny ability to read the track’s constantly changing conditions, has made him a master of Daytona. Carmichael has watched Tomac’s career closely and believes that his success is no accident.
“Eli is one of those riders who’s just so dialed in at Daytona,” Carmichael explained. “He knows when to push, when to hold back, and how to conserve energy for those critical final laps. You can’t just rely on raw speed to win here—you need to outthink your competition and be in complete sync with your bike. Eli does that better than anyone right now.”
Carmichael also highlighted Tomac’s role as a leader and role model within the motocross community. “He’s not just winning races; he’s inspiring a whole new generation of riders. That’s what makes him so special. It’s not just about breaking records—it’s about how you carry yourself while doing it. Eli embodies everything you want in a champion. He’s humble, hardworking, and always willing to put in the time to get better.”
While Carmichael is eager to see Tomac potentially surpass his record, he admits that the moment will be bittersweet. “I’ve held that record for a long time, and it’s been an important part of my legacy,” he said. “But records are meant to be broken, and I couldn’t think of a better rider to take it to the next level. It’s good for the sport, and it’s good for the fans. That’s what makes Daytona so special—you never know what’s going to happen.”
As the 55th Annual Daytona Supercross draws near, all eyes will be on Eli Tomac as he chases another win and the chance to make history. With Ricky Carmichael cheering him on, the stage is set for an unforgettable night of racing. Whether or not Tomac breaks the record, one thing is certain: the legacy of Daytona as one of the most challenging and prestigious events in Supercross will continue to shine. And for Carmichael, watching history unfold is just another way to celebrate the sport he loves so deeply.
