One of the biggest names in modern motocross and supercross is calling time on his career.
Eli Tomac has announced that he will retire from professional racing at the conclusion of the 2026 SMX World Championship post-season, bringing an end to a remarkable 17-season career at the top level of American motocross and supercross.
The 33-year-old will complete the final three SMX rounds with Red Bull KTM Factory Racing, with his last race scheduled for the SMX World Championship Final in Ridgedale, Missouri, on September 26.
A Final Season with KTM
Tomac joined Red Bull KTM Factory Racing for 2026 and immediately showed that he was still capable of fighting at the front. Aboard the KTM 450 SX-F FACTORY EDITION, he claimed four 450SX Main Event victories during the AMA Supercross season.
He also extended one of his most impressive records, taking his eighth Daytona Supercross victory in 2026.
One of the Most Successful Riders of His Generation
Tomac’s professional career began in 2010 and will conclude after 17 seasons. His numbers place him among the greatest riders in the sport:
- 2x AMA Supercross 450SX Champion – 2020, 2022
- 57 career 450SX Main Event wins – second all-time
- 4x AMA Pro Motocross 450MX Champion – 2017, 2018, 2019, 2022
- 32 career 450MX overall wins – fourth all-time
- 2013 AMA Pro Motocross 250MX Champion
- 2012 AMA Supercross 250SX West Champion
- 2024 FIM World Supercross SX1 Champion
- 8x Daytona Supercross winner
- 2022 ESPY Award winner – Best Athlete, Men’s Action Sports
Tomac also represented the United States six times at the FIM Motocross of Nations, captaining Team USA to victory at RedBud in 2022.
Tomac: “The Time Is Right”
Tomac described retirement as the hardest decision of his professional career.
“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.”
Red Bull KTM Pays Tribute
Red Bull KTM Factory Racing Team Manager Ian Harrison praised Tomac’s competitiveness, work ethic and professionalism.
“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. Eli is an amazing rider, and for the team and myself, to see how he operates and to get a better understanding of his sportsmanship and work ethic was a gift after all those years that we competed against him.”
The KTM team will now focus on finishing the season strongly alongside Tomac before one of the sport’s most decorated careers officially comes to an end.
One Last Run
Tomac still has three SMX rounds left before retirement.,And if his 2026 season has shown anything, it is that he is not planning to quietly ride into retirement.,There are still races to fight for before the final gate drops.
