With “that pass” that KTM’s Marvin Musquin put on Kawasaki’s Eli Tomac at round 15 in Foxborough just over a week ago still on everyone’s mind, so many eyes were focussed on these two men at round 16 of the series in Salt Lake City last weekend.

Fans were wondering is Colorado man Tomac would get a chance to take revenge on the French rider.

If he got the chance, would he take it?

But this is surely just a side issue when the battle for the actual title is really what’s central to the competition?

In the main event at Salt Lake City Tomac found himself buried himself in the pack with a bad start, while Musquin got to the lead and ran away from everyone.

Tomac has really turned the corner with his starts in 2018 with the second best average starting position – behind Musquin – in the 450SX class, but in Salt Lake City he rounded the first turn way back in the pack.

With a very dry and sketchy track to contend with and Musquin out front, performing a disappearing act on the field, Tomac did all he could to catch Musquin.

Unfortunately, a crash by Tomac while trying to pass KTM’s Blake Baggett for second ended any chance of the crowd seeing any fireworks betweenTomac and Musquin. Musquin went on to grab his second win in a row, while Tomac followed him across the line in runner-up position for the second week in a row.

Are we taking our eye off the ball? The real battle is surely between Musquin and Husqvarna’s championship leader Jason Anderson?

This weekend is the 17th and final round in Las Vegas and Musquin’s win at Salt Lake City last weekend saw him close in to within 14 points of Anderson.

Regardless of whether it is the Tomac versus Musquin rivalry or the Musquin versus Anderson championship battle that takes your interest most, this weekend’s final showdown is sure to be a thriller.

Meanwhile, here’s another look at “THAT PASS”, Musquin versus Tomac at Foxborough:

Leading open class standings after round 16 of 17:

1       Jason Anderson (Husqvarna) 338

2       Marvin Musquin (KTM) 324

3       Eli Tomac (Kawasaki) 292

4       Justin Brayton (Honda) 264

5       Blake Baggett (KTM) 264

6       Weston Peick (Suzuki) 235

7       Dean Wilson (Husqvarna) 193