Ricky Carmichael Fires Back at Claims That Eli Tomac is Better Than Him

Ricky Carmichael Fires Back at Claims That Eli Tomac is Better Than Him

Ricky Carmichael, widely regarded as the greatest motocross racer of all time, has responded to recent claims that Eli Tomac has surpassed him as the best in the sport. With Tomac breaking some of Carmichael’s long-standing records, debates have flared up among fans and analysts about whether Tomac now holds the title of motocross’ GOAT. But Carmichael isn’t buying it.

During a recent interview, Carmichael addressed the comparisons, making it clear that while Tomac is an exceptional rider, the sport has changed drastically since his era. “Eli is an incredible competitor, and what he’s been able to accomplish is special,” Carmichael said. “But you have to look at the full picture. The bikes today are more advanced, the technology is better, and riders benefit from lessons learned over the years.”

Carmichael emphasized that his dominance in the early 2000s came during a time when motocross was more physically demanding due to the limitations of bike technology. “We didn’t have all the data analysis and suspension advancements they do now,” he explained. “The sport has evolved, but that doesn’t mean one era is necessarily better than another. It’s just different.”

He also pointed out that longevity alone doesn’t define greatness. “Winning over a long period is impressive, but what I did in my time was about total dominance,” Carmichael noted. “Undefeated seasons, championships in both motocross and supercross—it wasn’t just about winning races. It was about leaving no doubt.”

While Tomac has been a force in recent years, even securing back-to-back Supercross championships and multiple Pro Motocross titles, Carmichael believes that true greatness should be measured by how much a rider redefines the sport. “When I retired, I had set a new standard. The next generation learned from that. I see some of my techniques in Eli and the guys today, and that’s a compliment. But the fact remains: my era was tougher, and I dominated it.”

Ultimately, Carmichael’s response is not about diminishing Tomac’s achievements but about putting history into perspective. “Eli is one of the best ever. No question. But the GOAT? That’s a title earned through more than just wins. It’s about impact, and I know what I brought to this sport.”

With both legends leaving their marks on motocross, the debate will continue. But for Carmichael, his legacy remains untouchable—at least in his eyes.