šĀ The SuperMotocross World Championship landscape continues its seismic shift as Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing officially announced the departure of one of its most successful riders, Eli Tomac. In a heartfelt social media post, the manufacturer expressed gratitude for the dominant run, effectively clearing the path for Tomacās anticipated move to Red Bull KTM Factory Racing.
āA Supercross championship, a Motocross championship, a Motocross of Nations title, dozens of race wins, and so many unforgettable battles, thereās just one thing to say: Thanks for the memories, Eli, what a ride itās been,ā Yamahaās post read, summarizing a partnership that produced some of the sport’s most memorable moments.
A Career Defined by Dominance
Tomacās tenure with the blue brand began in the 2022 season and instantly became the stuff of legend. He secured his first victory with the team early in the 2022 Monster Energy Supercross season at Angel Stadium in Anaheim, California. That year, he put on a clinical display of speed and consistency, winning seven races en route to securing the AMA Supercross Championship.
The dominance didn’t stop there. Tomac doubled down on his success by also capturing the Pro Motocross Championship in 2022, achieving the coveted Supercross and Motocross sweep.
The momentum carried into 2023, where Tomac was well on his way to defending his Supercross title. He was leading the points standings before tragedy struck in the next-to-last race in Denver, where he suffered a devastating injury to his Achilles tendon.
Bouncing Back from Adversity
The Achilles injury forced Tomac to skip the entire 2023 outdoor season. Since that setback, the veteran dirt bike racer has endured a challenging period, logging only two additional race wins with Yamaha. Despite these hurdles and a further pair of injuries suffered over the past four years, Tomac displayed his warrior mentality by fighting his way back to the front of the pack.
The 2025 season marked a significant return to form, with Tomac consistently running at the sharp end of the field, ultimately finishing third overall in both the Pro Motocross and the inaugural SuperMotocross playoff seasons.
The Next Chapter: Orange for 2026
The official farewell from Yamaha follows the recent confirmation of a major rider shuffle in the paddock. The announcement paves the way for Tomac to officially take the seat vacated by Chase Sexton, who was confirmed to have signed with Monster Energy Kawasaki two weeks prior. Red Bull KTM had already offered its own farewell to Sexton, setting the stage for the Tomac signingāwhich many anticipate will be made official as early as next week.
Tomac’s impending arrival at KTM alongside newly announced teammates Jorge Prado and Aaron Plessinger signals a high-stakes, competitive era for the 450 division in the 2026 season.