An Era Concludes: Celebrating a Racing Icon's Legacy
The Illustrious Career of a Racing Legend
Eli Tomac, a celebrated name in motocross and Supercross, has officially announced his departure from professional racing following the 2026 SuperMotocross World Championship. His career, spanning 17 years, has been marked by remarkable achievements and a consistent presence at the pinnacle of the sport.
A Legacy of Triumphs and Records
Throughout his extensive career, Tomac has amassed an impressive collection of titles. He secured four AMA Pro Motocross 450MX championships in 2017, 2018, 2019, and 2022, alongside two AMA Supercross 450SX titles in 2020 and 2022. Notably, he holds the second-highest number of AMA Supercross 450-class wins with 57 victories, and ranks fourth all-time in the 450MX AMA Pro Motocross class with 32 wins. His leadership was also instrumental in Team USA's victory at the FIM Motocross of Nations in 2022, one of his six appearances for the team.
A Farewell Statement from Eli Tomac
Tomac expressed the profound difficulty of his decision, stating, "I will be stepping away from Supercross and motocross racing at the end of September, following the final three SMX rounds. This has been the hardest decision I've ever made in my professional career, but I know in my heart that the time is now and that the time is right. I've won races and championships beyond my imagination. Racing has been the only thing I've woken up to and known the last 25 years, but I wouldn't trade it for anything."
Reflections from Red Bull KTM Factory Racing
Ian Harrison, Team Manager for Red Bull KTM Factory Racing, lauded Tomac's impact: "Eli exploded onto the scene well over a decade and a half ago, and if he wasn't on your team, you sure wished he was, because you'd ultimately be fighting against him to try and win. Over the years, Eli has become the second-winningest rider in Supercross history and has won multiple national and Supercross championships." Harrison further highlighted the team's privilege of working with Tomac in his final season, noting his consistent fight for titles and wins. He concluded by acknowledging that all good things eventually end and extended the team's gratitude and best wishes for Tomac's future endeavors, recognizing his disciplined and dedicated nature.
Key Milestones and Achievements
Tomac's career is dotted with significant milestones, including his 2013 250MX title and the 2012 250SX West Divisional Championship. In 2026, he set a new record with his eighth Daytona Supercross victory and was crowned the 2024 FIM World Supercross Champion in the SX1 Class. His contributions to action sports were also recognized with an ESPY Award in 2022, honoring him as the Best Athlete in Men's Action Sports. As the current season progresses, the Red Bull KTM Factory Racing team is committed to a strong finish, culminating in the SMX World Championship Final in Ridgedale, Missouri, on September 26.
