Phil Nicoletti is currently on the other side of the globe racing in Australia, but that didn't stop him from writing responses to your important questions. This week Phil took a break from sunbathing and frolicking in the surf to weigh in on topics like how Eli Tomac is still so fast, replacing helmets, and the emerging tech of starting blocks.
As usual, send over an email, phil@racerxonline.com if you've got a question that's only answerable by the illustrious, and filthy, Nicoletti.
Phil,
I’m sure you watched the MXoN last weekend, and I’m sure you’re a regular watcher of it in general. I was blown away by Eli Tomac’s ride in the final second moto. That’s not to discount his fourth in the first moto, which was also really good. I guess I shouldn’t be blown away because Tomac is just special, but geez, how old is the guy, 32? 33? And he goes out there and beats the best riders in the world, not named Lawrence, of course. How the hell is he still going this fast at this age, and what must it feel like for the Euro stars to not be able to crack old man ‘Mac?
-Chris
Chris,
Tomac is a freak of nature. Plain and simple. I was lucky enough to hang around Eli quite a bit last year at MXoN when I went to Matterley to watch CW2. Believe it or not, up until that point, Eli and I might have spoken two sentences to each other since he turned pro in 2010. Over the years, Eli has changed A LOT in my opinion. He’s not the shy/reserved public figure he once was. His demeanor at Matterley was all time. Like, he enjoyed that type of pressure for Team USA, more so than when he goes for an AMA championship. He was genuine and very much a team player. But his seriousness toward that event was extreme. When it came to lock in before the gate drops, it was like he went to a separate universe to, as the kids say nowadays, "lock in." I can only imagine that his focus was even multiplied racing this year in Ironman. With that being said, I still think Eli is at peak form. He to me, is still at his all-time best. I truly believe that. It might not be 100 percent of the time, but at least 85 percent of the races he is. It’s just that the Lawrences' levels are so high. But the best thing is, Eli will fight to the death to still try and find that at 32 years old. He’s going to be 33 years old in 2026 and will soon lose his touch. It’s coming, and he knows that. It’s the inevitable. But his willpower to push through another year to be the true ET3 we all know, is remarkable. I respect it very much. I’m sure we will see Eli at Ernee if he has his way with things, and rightfully so!
-Phil
Mr.Phil,
I was wondering if there are specific protocols in AMA racing for when a rider needs to replace a helmet? Do factory teams just do it as a matter of course, like changing out the clutch plates on the bike after a certain amount of time or how tough the race (or crash) was?
Thanks,
-PtKtoomer
PtKtoomer,
That’s a good question. To be honest, I haven’t got a clue! All I know is, if I ever questioned myself about hitting my head or even getting close to my noggin, I just used another helmet. I know, I don’t have much of a brain. But 6D Helmets has always been good about looking at and checking out helmets. The inner shell of a 6D is completely replaceable and they will change it for you. It's great for them to see the helmets and analyze what happens. But as far as a proper protocol, I truly don’t know. Helmets and jerseys always go through tech, but that’s the extent of it all, I believe.
-Phil
Poutine Phil,
What’s up with all the starting blocks on the gate these days at a pro national? For whatever reason I thought they weren’t even allowed, but clearly that’s not the case. Some of them are extremely tall, and I see some riders who don’t even look like they need them using them. What is going on with this? What advantage is there to using starting blocks? I’m no pro, far from it, but I really can’t think of anyway blocks would benefit me on the gate. As one of the best starters in the sport, I figured you could shed some light on this urgent topic.
-Blockless Billy
Blockless,
I’m 5’10 and I use blocks on the starting grates. I need to! I could be the same size as someone else who is 5’10 but they might not need them because they carry the length in their legs, where I do my torso. It’s very unfair to withhold starting blocks from someone. It’s not their fault they're shorter, so because they're 5’6", they should be penalized and have to start lopsided? That’s totally ridiculous. But, I do believe that there should be a regulation starting block. You can only use two-inch, three-inch, or four-inch blocks. Not these bullshit crazy contraptions they are all making. That part is crazy. I feel that would be a good way to do things. When you start in dirt, you have a rut that works as blocks. I never used blocks my entire life until we went to grates. But I need them so I can distribute my weight in the bike like I would in a dirt start with a rut! I’m for blocks, I just feel they should be regulated a bit.
-Phil
