The 2026 Monster Energy AMA Supercross season will be remembered as a rollercoaster ride for Eli Tomac. In his highly anticipated debut with Red Bull KTM, Tomac transitioned from the series’ dominant force and prime championship favorite to watching the title slip away following a string of inconsistent finishes and a devastating crash in Cleveland. Despite the late-season heartbreak, the veteran rider proved he remains an elite title threat. Speaking with Jamie “Darkside” Guida on the *MotoX Pod* show, Tomac offered an honest assessment of his dramatic year.
A Flawless Start with Red Bull KTM
Tomac’s partnership with Red Bull KTM began in spectacular fashion, silencing any skepticism surrounding his team switch and advancing age. The veteran exploded out of the gate, capturing victories at the opening two rounds of the season. According to Tomac, early adjustments made after the World Supercross events allowed him to unlock the bike’s potential immediately. “It started off outstanding,” Tomac remarked. “Once I spent a couple of weeks on this motorcycle, I knew I was going to be in title contention.” Backed by a premier support crew, Tomac quickly validated his self-belief on the track.
Mid-Season Slumps and the Illness Factor
The momentum stalled as the grueling nature of the Supercross schedule began to take its toll. The middle portion of the championship introduced a wave of inconsistency that disrupted Tomac’s rhythm. He revealed that a bout of illness contributed to his mid-season struggles, though he refused to use it as an excuse. The points lead became a game of musical chairs, with Tomac surrendering the coveted red plate, fighting to reclaim it, and subsequently losing it again as the pressure intensified.
The Cleveland Crash and Salt Lake Heartbreak
The definitive turning point of Tomac’s season arrived with a violent crash in Cleveland, which effectively ended his championship aspirations and sidelined him from the finale in Salt Lake City. “That wrote the season off,” Tomac admitted. While expressing deep disappointment over his inability to fight for the crown at the final round, Tomac still views the season as a success on paper. Meeting team expectations and proving his enduring speed at the highest level provided a silver lining to a bittersweet campaign.