WSX Abu Dhabi GP Preview: Titles on the line in desert showdown

The conclusion of the 2024 FIM World Supercross Championship (WSX) will take place in the spectacular Etihad Arena on Wednesday, where champions will be crowned, and all riders will be searching for one last opportunity to make their mark on a truly memorable season.

Eli Tomac racing in the WSX Australian GP

As the sun begins to set on a thrilling 2024 WSX season, all eyes shift from the drama-filled double-header in Perth to Abu Dhabi for the championship showdown.

Just like in 2023, the Abu Dhabi GP closes out the WSX season and, if last year's title deciders are anything to go by, there'll be thrills and spills all the way to the final chequered flag at Round 4.

This year, both championships have been dominated by a single rider, but nothing is ever a given in supercross, and there is still a long way to go before the new champions are crowned.

For the final time this season, we look at the key storylines ahead of the event.

Will Tomac seal the deal?

Eli Tomac's season so far has been one of utter dominance, taking all three overall event victories. As a result, the CDR Yamaha Supported by Star Racing rider has one hand on the WSX championship trophy.

A near-perfect season to date comprises a 2-1-1-1 in Vancouver, followed by a 1-1-1-1 on Saturday night in Perth and 1-3-1-1 on Sunday. He has truly been in a league of one.

It would take a herculean effort to knock him off the top stop, but nothing is ever a given. This is World Supercross. If Tomac has some poor results early on in Abu Dhabi, the situation could change quickly and dramatically.

If it were to unravel for Tomac, either Ken Roczen or Joey Savatgy would have to take a clean sweep to stand a chance, and the pair have been pretty close this season…

Roczen vs Savatgy

Should Tomac take the title, there is still plenty of intrigue over the remaining podium spots in the end-of-year standings. Roczen and Savatgy have each taken stabs at being Tomac's pursuer and are the only riders to deny him victory in 2024.

While Roczen was hot on Tomac's heels in Canada, it was Savatgy's time to turn up the heat down under, closing the gap to the two-time WSX champion and 2024 champion-elect in Australia.

In Abu Dhabi, both riders have plenty to prove. Roczen will be looking to salvage something from what has been a tricky season by his standards, while Savatgy will hope to make a statement and show he can beat two of the best in the world.

Who will be on top at Rick Ware Racing in WSX and SX2?

Intra-team battles in both WSX and SX2 are hotting up at Rick Ware Racing and look set to rage through the final races at Abu Dhabi.

In the top class, Mitch Oldenburg has been relentlessly consistent and after three rounds, holds a 13-point lead over team-mate Luke Clout. Oldenburg has been in and around the top five for most of the season, while Clout came on strong in Perth to claim his first 450cc podium and close in on his team-mate in the points.

In SX2, it is even closer. Just two points separate Coty Schock and Enzo Lopes at RWR, and both are fighting to secure the runner-up spot in the standings.

Schock has taken two race wins this year but has endured costly crashes at each of the three rounds so far. Lopes, meanwhile, has kept his head down and chipped away at the campaign to bring himself into contention.

Both riders need to look over their shoulders, though. Fire Power Honda's Cole Thompson is lurking not far behind and could snatch second from them both.

Can McElrath be stopped?

What a few months it has been for Shane McElrath. With dominant displays in Vancouver and then in both Perth rounds, he comfortably leads the SX2 250cc standings heading to Abu Dhabi.

His situation is very similar to Tomac's; he is in a position where he could cruise to the title. However, he too needs to stay out of trouble if he's to retake the SX2 crown.

All the riders will be aiming to end the season on a high, but some more so than others will be looking to impress at the final event of the year and secure a top ride for 2025.

As it stands, the 2025 WSX and SX2 grids are largely unconfirmed. One strong performance could change the face of next year's championship.