Ricky Carmichael has never been one to mince words when it comes to racing. He’s the GOAT for a reason—he knows talent when he sees it, and he knows exactly what it takes to win at the highest level. So when he was asked to pick between Jett Lawrence and Eli Tomac, his answer carried weight.
“Eli’s a beast, no doubt about it,” Carmichael said. “But Jett? He’s got that special something. He’s smooth, he’s smart, and he’s got that race craft that makes champions.”
It’s a bold statement, considering Tomac’s resume. A multi-time champion with an unmatched ability to dig deep and charge through the pack, Tomac has built his career on raw speed, aggression, and a never-say-die attitude. But Carmichael sees something different in Lawrence—something that separates him not just from Tomac, but from almost anyone who’s thrown a leg over a dirt bike.
“It’s not just about speed,” Carmichael explained. “It’s the way Jett approaches the race. He’s calculated. He doesn’t waste energy. You watch him, and you can tell he’s thinking two, three corners ahead. That’s rare, man. That’s something I saw in guys like [Jeremy] McGrath, [Stefan] Everts, even [Ryan] Dungey. He makes it look effortless, and that’s scary for everyone else.”
Carmichael knows firsthand what it takes to dominate. His relentless work ethic and aggressive riding style set a standard that few have been able to match. But he also understands that there’s more than one way to win. And while Tomac’s brute force has worked for years, Lawrence’s efficiency and technique might just be the new gold standard.
“Eli’s had an amazing career, and he’s still as tough as they come,” Carmichael said. “But Jett? He’s already showing signs that he could be one of the greatest we’ve ever seen. He’s young, he’s confident, and he’s got that natural ability that makes everything look easy. That’s dangerous. That’s why, if I’m picking today, I’m going with Jett.”
High praise from the GOAT himself. And if Carmichael’s track record of spotting talent is any indication, the rest of the motocross world might want to take notice.
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