Image: Foremost Media.

Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing’s Eli Tomac has made the decision official to sit out the 2022 Monster Energy Supercross finals at Salt Lake City this Saturday, the 450SX champion to focus on recovering his injured knee ahead of the Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship.

After clinching the title in Denver, Tomac revealed that he sustained an MCL ligament tear during Atlanta’s round 14, an injury that impacted his performance in the following rounds.

With the Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship opener taking place on 29 May at Fox Raceway, Tomac has three and half weeks to improve the condition of his knee ahead of a 2022 450MX campaign.

“Winning the championship at my home race was pretty amazing,” Tomac explained. “I’d love to be on track this weekend, but we need to focus on rehabbing my knee and getting back to 100 percent for the outdoors. I’m looking forward to being in Salt Lake this weekend and celebrating our championship with the fans.”

Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing team manager Jeremy Coker added: “Obviously, with the title in the bag, it made the most sense for Eli to rest up and get back to feeling 100 percent for the outdoor season. It’s been an incredible year, and we look forward to celebrating this weekend with the fans.”