Ricky Carmichael Fires Back at Claims Eli Tomac is Better: “Our Era Built the Skills, Not the Tech”…. “Eli’s a phenomenal rider, and I have all the respect in the world for him. What he’s achieved is nothing short of amazing, but you’ve got to look at the full picture when comparing eras.”
“Eli’s a phenomenal rider, and I have all the respect in the world for him. What he’s achieved is nothing short of amazing, but you’ve got to look at the full picture when comparing eras,” Carmichael said in a recent interview.
Carmichael, a five-time AMA Supercross champion and ten-time AMA Motocross champion, argues that his generation had to develop skills without the benefit of today’s cutting-edge technology. “The bikes we rode weren’t as refined as they are today. We didn’t have the same level of data analysis, suspension, or even the fitness programs that exist now. We had to figure things out the hard way, which built a different kind of rider.”
The discussion about who is the greatest of all time (GOAT) has been a hot topic in the motocross world, especially as Tomac continues to break records and challenge legends of the sport. Tomac’s dominance in Supercross and Motocross, along with his ability to adapt and push the limits, has fueled debates about whether he has surpassed Carmichael’s legacy.
However, Carmichael remains confident in the foundation he and his peers laid for today’s stars. “I’m not saying one era is harder than the other, but there’s no denying that we had to rely more on raw skill, instinct, and mental toughness. The sport has evolved, and that’s great to see. But the skills we developed back then still influence the way these guys ride today.”
While comparisons between Carmichael and Tomac will likely continue, one thing remains clear: both riders have left an undeniable mark on the sport, shaping the future of motocross in their own ways.
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