With Dungey's announcement to retire, and 2016 Motocross champion Ken Roczen out due to his injury during the Supercross season, two rising stars Marvin Musquin and Eli Tomac have made it very clear they are going to be the ones to watch this season.
The first Moto Tomac gained the lead on Musquin and managed to win in spite of a fall he took after gaining the lead. Tomac's teammate Josh Grant managed 3rd in the first moto, and lead most of the second moto ahead of Musquin. Tomac got buried deep in the pack and began his fight to the front.
Tomac fought his way from what appeared to be 14th place at the beginning of the second moto up to 3rd place with his teammate in 2nd. It appeared that Josh Grant allowed Tomac to get by without much of a fight to allow his teammate to take the fight to then leader, Marvin Musquin. Tomac charged into a battle with Musquin. The battle that ultimately lead to Tomac leading to win at Hangtown.
After Tomac's incredible 9 wins during Supercross and falling short of the championship, he has earned the nickname "The Shark". He is in the prime of his riding ability and he has been hardened by tasting the championship and losing it. He is a real threat to Marvin Musquin's hope of winning a Motocross championship. As the team leader for Redbull KTM, the pressure has swiftly shifted on his shoulders to attempt to hold back The Shark.