Ricky Carmichael Fires Back at Claims Eli Tomac is Better: “Our Era Built the Skills, Not the Tech”
Motocross legend Ricky Carmichael has weighed in on the ongoing debate about whether Eli Tomac surpasses him as the greatest rider in the sport’s history. In a recent interview, Carmichael defended his generation, arguing that modern riders benefit from advancements in technology that weren’t available during his career.
“Eli’s a phenomenal rider, and I have all the respect in the world for him,” Carmichael said. “What he’s achieved is nothing short of amazing, but you’ve got to look at the full picture when comparing eras.”
Carmichael, often referred to as the “GOAT” (Greatest of All Time), dominated the sport in the early 2000s, winning multiple AMA Supercross and Motocross championships. He retired with an unmatched level of consistency and work ethic that set the standard for future generations. However, he believes that riders in his era had to rely more on raw skill and adaptability due to the limitations of bike technology.
“Our era built the skills, not the tech,” Carmichael emphasized. “We had to make do with what we had. Suspension, tires, and electronics weren’t as advanced as they are today. It was all about grinding, learning the bike inside and out, and pushing through the toughest conditions.”
Carmichael’s comments come as Tomac continues to rack up wins and challenge long-standing records. Many fans argue that Tomac’s speed and dominance in recent years place him in the GOAT conversation, but Carmichael remains firm in his belief that context is key.
“There’s no denying Eli’s talent,” he said. “But comparing different eras is never black and white. Every generation has its own challenges.”
As the debate rages on, one thing remains certain—both Carmichael and Tomac have cemented their places among motocross’s grea
test legends.
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