Supercross legend Jeremy McGrath has never been one to shy away from speaking his mind when it comes to the evolution of the sport. After watching Eli Tomac’s devastating injury in Tampa, Florida, McGrath not only expressed his heartbreak for the reigning champion but also raised concerns over the increasing number of injuries plaguing Supercross today.
Tomac’s Injury: A Tough Moment for the Sport
McGrath, a seven-time Supercross champion, admitted that seeing Tomac go down was one of the toughest moments in recent Supercross history.
“When I saw Eli crash, my heart sank. You never want to see that, especially with a guy like him. He’s one of the best riders I’ve ever seen,” McGrath said. “Winning a championship at 31, still competing at 32—it’s unbelievable what he’s accomplished. The sport needs guys like Eli, but it’s brutal on these riders.”
Tomac’s injury wasn’t just another setback—it was a reminder of how physically punishing Supercross has become.
McGrath’s Growing Concern Over Supercross Injuries
While injuries have always been part of the sport, McGrath believes they are becoming more frequent and severe. The intensity of modern racing, faster bikes, and aggressive competition have led to more riders suffering serious crashes.
“We’re seeing too many top guys go down,” McGrath explained. “Every season, it feels like we’re losing contenders because of injuries. The sport is faster than ever, and while that’s exciting, it also raises the risk factor. Maybe it’s time to step back and ask if there’s anything we can do to make it safer.”
With stars like Ken Roczen, Cooper Webb, and Chase Sexton also experiencing big crashes in recent seasons, McGrath’s concerns echo those of many within the Supercross community.
Tomac’s Legacy and the Road to Recovery
Despite the setback, McGrath remains confident that Tomac’s place in history is already secure.
“I’ve been around this sport long enough to know when I’m watching greatness, and Eli is greatness. He’s one of the best this sport has ever seen, no doubt about it,” McGrath said.
While Tomac’s injury has cast uncertainty over his immediate future, McGrath believes his impact on Supercross will stand the test of time. However, as the sport continues to evolve, McGrath hopes discussions around rider safety become as important as the championship battles themselves.
“We all love the racing, the competition, the adrenaline—but we need to make sure these guys have long careers, too. The sport needs its legends to stick around,” he concluded.
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