The motocross world received some shocking and unfortunate news this week concerning Eli Tomac, one of the sport’s biggest stars and a key rider for the Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing team. Following further medical evaluation after last weekend’s Tampa Supercross round, it has been confirmed that Tomac suffered a broken fibula in his left leg—a far more serious injury than initially suspected.
The injury reportedly occurred during the timed qualifying session at Tampa, where Tomac had an awkward moment while dabbing his foot on the ground to regain balance. At first, Tomac and his team believed the incident resulted in a bruised calf and possibly a sprained ankle. Given his toughness and racing experience, Tomac shrugged it off and decided to push through the pain. What nobody realized at the time was that he had actually fractured his fibula—a bone located on the outer side of the lower leg.
Despite the injury, Tomac made the courageous decision to line up for the night’s racing program inside Raymond James Stadium. In what can only be described as a gutsy performance, he managed to race the heat event and qualify for the main event, where he ultimately finished 17th. That finish allowed him to earn valuable championship points, although he clearly wasn’t performing at full capacity due to the pain and mobility limitations caused by the break.
The extent of Tomac’s injury stunned fans and fellow riders alike, especially considering the high level of competition in Supercross and the demands of the sport. Racing with a broken leg, even if it’s the fibula and not the weight-bearing tibia, is no small feat. The fibula plays a critical role in stabilizing the ankle and supporting lateral leg movement—both of which are crucial for navigating Supercross tracks filled with jumps, whoops, and tight corners.
Now, the big question is: when will Eli Tomac return?
At this point, no official timeline has been provided by the Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing team regarding Tomac’s recovery. Given the nature of the injury, it’s expected that he will need time to heal properly before resuming racing activities. A fractured fibula typically requires several weeks of rest, sometimes accompanied by physical therapy, depending on the severity and location of the break. In some cases, surgery may be necessary, though that detail has not been confirmed for Tomac.
The news comes as a major blow to both Tomac and his team, especially considering his strong performances earlier in the season. As one of the sport’s most decorated riders with multiple Supercross and Pro Motocross titles, Tomac is known for his resilience and determination, but this latest setback will undoubtedly test his patience and resolve.
For now, fans around the world are sending their well-wishes to Tomac, hoping for a smooth and speedy recovery. His toughness has never been in question, and his decision to race through the pain in Tampa has only cemented his reputation as one of the grittiest riders in motocross history.