Tomac Finishes on Podium in Thrilling 450SMX Round 2 Battle
Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing’s Eli Tomac finishes third, with teammates Cooper Webb and Justin Cooper finishing fifth and eighth, respectively, in St. Louis / Sep 15, 2025 /
In a thrilling heavyweight battle at the SMX Playoff 2, Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing’s Eli Tomac fought to the finish and secured a hard-earned third overall (3-2) inside The Dome at America’s Center in St. Louis, Missouri. Cooper Webb bounced back to a top-five overall result (8-4), while Justin Cooper overcame adversity to finish eighth overall (6-11).
Tomac qualified fifth and got a strong start in Moto 1, running third from the opening laps and setting a consistently fast pace. Under pressure in the closing laps, he held off the red-plate holder to secure third. In Moto 2, he got another good start and quickly made his way to the runner-up spot. The eight-time AMA Supercross/Motocross Champion kept his title rival in sight, and in the final laps, the top three closed in on each other, making for a nail-biter finish to the moto. In the end, Tomac crossed the line in the runner-up spot to finish third overall, heading to the triple-points paying season finale third in the standings and 16 points from the top spot.
In just his second race back from injury, Webb qualified seventh and got a great start in Moto 1, running fourth early before arm pump issues dropped him to eighth. He rebounded in Moto 2 with another good start inside the top five, battling throughout the race and making a decisive last-lap pass for fourth. His 8-4 moto scores put him fifth overall and moved him up to fifth in the standings, 24 points behind the leader.
Cooper qualified sixth and joined his teammates inside the top five at the start of Moto 1. He battled Webb for fourth early but lost a couple of positions in the middle stages before battling his way back to finish sixth. In Moto 2, he did not get the start he was hoping for and found himself at the back of the field after stalling in the first turn. Cooper put his head down and charged through to 12th but unfortunately had a tipover and found himself back in 17th. Undeterred, he kept fighting and made his way through to 11th, where he would finish to end the day eighth overall. The New Yorker heads to the finale sixth in the standings, 27 points back.
The Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing squad now turns its attention to the SuperMotocross World Championship Final at The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway on September 20, where triple points are on the line.
Rich Simmons – Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing 450 Team Manager
“It’s always nice to have a roof over the track. It helps keep the track conditions more consistent and creates good racing, and that’s exactly what we had. Eli rode two very good races, and the second one was exciting from start to finish. We obviously wish he had come out with the win, but those top three put on a great show. Webb struggled a bit in the first moto, but with some small adjustments and better riding in the second moto, it was a big step towards getting back to his form and to keep building that momentum. Unfortunately, it was another rough race for Justin. His speed was excellent, but he just wasn’t able to make the pass on Webb early in the first moto and lost positions in the process. In the second moto, he stalled the bike in the first turn, which put him last, and then went down around the halfway mark. He still put in good times after that, but finished 11th. We will head to Vegas to try and take advantage of the triple points and finish the season on a high note.”
Eli Tomac – Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing #3
“It was a good day of racing for us. In the first moto, I just kind of hung out in third. I had a good start and was solid there, but nothing really happened other than Jett (Lawrence) got close to my rear wheel at the end of that moto. I was able to fend him off and defend third, so that was important going into the second moto. I had another good start in Moto 2 and made a move in the second turn to make a couple of passes. I was right there. I was really close that whole race. I just couldn't find anything extra to get close enough to try for a pass, and maybe got a little lucky with some lappers at the end to get a little bit closer. Overall, it was good riding but of course shy of the win.”
Cooper Webb – Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing #2
“Moto 1 was a very tough race, as I got a good start and immediately got bad arm pump and started going backwards. Moto 2 was a lot better. I felt good and was in a battle with Chase (Sexton) and Kenny (Roczen) the whole moto, and I was able to pass Chase late to get a solid fourth place and a top-five overall.”
Justin Cooper – Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing #32
“It was a tough day for me. My riding was good, but I didn’t execute when I needed to. In the first moto, I just didn’t make moves quickly enough. Then Moto 2, I started last after stalling it in the first turn. I got up and charged through, but then tipped over and had to charge again. I’m feeling good on the bike. I just need to put it together. That’s the goal for Vegas.”
2025 SuperMotocross World Championship Playoff 2 450SMX Results
2025 SuperMotocross World Championship 450SMX Standings
About Yamaha Motor Corporation, U.S.A.
Yamaha Motor Corporation, U.S.A. (YMUS), is a recognized leader in the outdoor recreation industry. The company’s ever-expanding product offerings include Motorcycles and Scooters, ATV and Side-by-Side vehicles, Snowmobiles, Personal Watercraft, Boats, Outboard Motors, Outdoor Power Equipment, Power Assist Bicycles, Golf Cars [sold, serviced, and distributed by Yamaha Golf-Car Company], Power Assist Wheelchair Systems, Surface Mount Technology and Robotic Machines, Unmanned Helicopters, Accessories, Apparel, Yamalube products, and much more. YMUS products are sold through a nationwide network of distributors and dealers in the United States.
YMUS has a corporate office in California, three corporate offices in Georgia, as well as facilities in Wisconsin, Alabama, and Florida. YMUS subsidiaries Yamaha Motor Manufacturing Corporation of America (YMMC), based in Georgia, and Yamaha Jet Boat Manufacturing U.S.A. (YJBM) based in Tennessee, each assemble and manufacture selected Yamaha brand products. YMUS owns Skeeter Boats [Texas] with its division G3 Boats [Missouri]. Additional U.S.-based subsidiaries include Yamaha Marine Systems Company, Inc. (YMSC) with subsidiary Siren Marine [Rhode Island] and divisions Bennett Marine [Florida], Yamaha Marine Rotational Molders [Wisconsin] and Yamaha Precision Propeller Inc. [Indiana].
Yamaha Motor Finance Corporation, USA, dba Yamaha Financial Services, is an affiliate of Yamaha Motor Corporation, USA offering financing solutions to support Yamaha Dealers and loyal Yamaha Customers nationwide.