Image: Octopi Media.

Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing’s Eli Tomac has labelled Charlotte’s zMAX Dragway hybrid race track as ‘one of the most interesting’ he’s ever ridden, which he thought combined a balanced mix of motocross and Supercross-type elements.

SuperMotocross World Championship (SMX) Playoff 1 featured a direct blend of both disciplines, but it was widely recognized as one of the gnarliest layouts – combined with the conditions – in the short post-season history.

For 450SMX title-challenger Tomac, the 32-year-old would qualify in third position, before finishing P3 in the sole race contested after a mid-race fall while stalking eventual moto winner Jett Lawrence (Honda HRC Progressive).

The event was ultimately called early as hazardous, stormy weather arrived in the region to cause ongoing disruptions, leaving the Colorado native third for the round and fourth in the SMX standings.

“It was a good first moto,” commented Tomac. “Of course, my tip-over was unfortunate, but up until then, I had the holeshot on my side of the start and then came out second on that second or third turn. I was right there behind Jett and, like I said, I had a little fall, but I was able to get up quickly and stay in a podium position.

“It was a very tough track. This was one of the most interesting tracks I’ve ever ridden, and it was a true combination of conditions – with crazy deep motocross ruts, and [then] we had to go back inside the stadium there and still get through those Supercross rhythms.

“It was also one of the toughest dirt conditions that I’ve ever ridden because of the way it was so soft and spongy.”

SMX Playoff 2 next takes place inside The Dome at America’s Center in St. Louis this weekend, where Tomac will enter ranked fourth in the premier class standings.