The Ultimate Motocross Rivalry: Eli Tomac vs. Jett Lawrence or Reed vs. Bubba—Which Era Reigns Supreme?
In the world of motocross, rivalries have defined eras and pushed athletes to their limits, captivating fans along the way. Among the most talked-about rivalries are the fierce battles between Chad Reed and James “Bubba” Stewart, and the more recent clash between Eli Tomac and Jett Lawrence. These riders not only brought their A-game to the track but also elevated the sport through their individual achievements and competition-driven excellence.
Reed vs. Stewart: A Rivalry for the Ages
During the 2000s, no rivalry was more intense than the one between Chad Reed and James Stewart. Both riders had different personalities, contrasting riding styles, and their head-to-head matchups were electrifying. Reed, hailing from Australia, was known for his consistency and resilience, while Stewart, often called “Bubba,” was the daring, high-flying star from Florida with unmatched speed and flair.
Achievements and Rivalry Highlights:
Chad Reed: With 44 AMA Supercross wins, two AMA Supercross titles (2004 and 2008), and a career that spanned two decades, Reed became one of the sport’s legends. Known for his ability to dig deep in high-pressure situations, his battles with Stewart were some of the most gripping moments in motocross.
James Stewart: As the first African American to dominate motocross, Stewart’s career was marked by groundbreaking achievements. His signature move, the “Bubba Scrub,” revolutionized the sport. He accumulated 50 AMA Supercross wins and two AMA Supercross titles (2007, 2009), along with an outdoor championship, cementing his legacy as one of the fastest riders in history.
The Reed vs. Stewart rivalry was filled with memorable encounters, including Stewart’s 2009 AMA Supercross title, where he barely edged out Reed in one of the most tightly contested seasons ever. Their clashes on the track were often heated, with aggressive passes and no shortage of drama. Reed’s determination to match Stewart’s speed and skill created a rivalry that will forever be etched in motocross history.
Tomac vs. Lawrence: The New Era
Fast forward to today, and motocross fans are witnessing the rise of another iconic rivalry: Eli Tomac vs. Jett Lawrence. These two riders, representing different generations and styles, are currently at the pinnacle of the sport. While their rivalry is still in its early stages, it has already become a major storyline in the motocross world.
Eli Tomac: A veteran of the sport, Tomac’s dominance has been undeniable. With multiple AMA Supercross (2020, 2022) and AMA Motocross (2017, 2018, 2019) titles, Tomac has solidified his place as one of the sport’s greats. Known for his raw power and relentless determination, Tomac’s ability to dig deep late in races has made him a feared competitor.
Jett Lawrence: The young Australian sensation has taken the sport by storm. Despite his age, Lawrence has already captured championships, including the AMA 250MX title (2021, 2022), the AMA 450MX title (2023), and most recently, the 2023 Motocross of Nations (MXoN) championship with Team Australia. Lawrence’s smooth and technical riding style, combined with his fearless approach, has drawn comparisons to legends like Stewart.
The Tomac vs. Lawrence rivalry took on a new level of intensity during the 2023 MXoN, where Team Australia, led by Lawrence, defeated Team USA, anchored by Tomac, in a thrilling showdown. Lawrence’s performance was nothing short of spectacular, helping Australia claim their first-ever victory at the prestigious event. The USA team, which came in second, fought hard but couldn’t overcome Lawrence’s dominance on the international stage.
Comparing the Two Rivalries
While Reed vs. Stewart had a more personal and fiery undertone, with heated exchanges on and off the track, Tomac vs. Lawrence feels more like a clash of eras. The Reed-Stewart era was built on both riders’ need to prove their supremacy, while the Tomac-Lawrence rivalry reflects the evolution of the sport, where youth is challenging the old guard.
Reed and Stewart’s rivalry was defined by close finishes, controversies, and clashes of egos, particularly during seasons when both riders were at their peak. Meanwhile, Tomac and Lawrence’s rivalry took on new layers with Lawrence’s victory over Tomac and Team USA at the 2023 MXoN. This victory not only established Lawrence as a global motocross powerhouse but also showcased the shifting dynamic as younger riders like him push the boundaries of the sport.
Legacy and Impact on the Sport
The Reed vs. Stewart rivalry left a lasting impact on motocross. It introduced a new generation of fans to the sport and set a high bar for competitiveness. Both riders raised the level of riding, forcing their competitors to step up.
Similarly, Tomac and Lawrence are continuing this tradition. Lawrence’s youthful dominance, highlighted by his 2023 MXoN victory, is inspiring a new wave of riders, while Tomac remains a benchmark of what it takes to be a champion. Together, their rivalry has created new excitement and is shaping the future of motocross.
The rivalries of Reed vs. Stewart and Tomac vs. Lawrence represent two defining eras in motocross. Reed and Stewart’s battles will forever be remembered for their intensity and drama, while Tomac and Lawrence are providing a modern-day clash that fans can’t get enough of. Each of these rivalries not only made motocross more thrilling but also contributed to the legacies of the riders involved, pushing the sport forward with every race.
With Lawrence’s recent triumph at the 2024 MXoN, defeating Tomac and Team USA, this new rivalry has the potential to go down in history alongside the legendary Reed-Stewart saga as one of the greatest rivalries the sport has ever seen. As Tomac continues to defend his legacy and Lawrence carves out his path to greatness, the motocross world eagerly awaits the next chapter in this thrilling rivalry.
Reed VS Bubba, hands down!