American motocross and supercross legend Eli Tomac has announced his retirement from professional racing, bringing an end to a remarkable 17-season career that produced eight championships and cemented his legacy as one of the sport’s all-time greats.
The Red Bull KTM Factory Racing rider will compete in his final races at the 2026 Monster Energy SMX World Championship Playoffs, with three rounds remaining beginning 12 September in Columbus, Ohio.
Tomac’s career began with a fairy tale debut at the 2010 Hangtown Motocross Classic, where he secured moto podiums and won the overall by taking victory in the second moto. He finished second in his first full-time Supercross season the following year, signalling the arrival of a generational talent.
The Colorado native captured his first championship in 2012 with the 250cc Divisional Supercross title, followed by the 2013 Pro Motocross 250cc crown. After moving to the premier 450cc class, Tomac dominated with six championships between 2017 and 2022, including a perfect double in 2022 when he swept both Supercross and Pro Motocross titles.
His statistics place him amongst the sport’s elite. With 57 career 450cc Supercross wins, Tomac sits second on the all-time list behind only Jeremy McGrath (72). In Pro Motocross, his 32 victories rank fourth all-time behind Ricky Carmichael (76), Ryan Dungey (39), and James Stewart. Most impressively, Tomac leads all riders with 240 career podium finishes across the SMX League.
No venue became more synonymous with Tomac than Daytona International Speedway, where he amassed a staggering eight victories between 2016 and 2026. The record, which includes six wins in seven years, will likely stand the test of time as one of the sport’s most untouchable achievements.
“For those of us who had the privilege of watching Eli Tomac’s entire career, what stands out most isn’t just the victories, championships, or records. It’s the authenticity,” said Dave Prater, Vice President of Supercross for Feld Motor Sports. “Eli never chased attention, never tried to be something he wasn’t, and let his riding speak louder than words ever could.”
Davey Coombs, editor-in-chief of Racer X Magazine and President of MX Sports Pro Racing, reflected on Tomac’s longevity: “Never before in our sport have we had a competitor who was so good, for so long. Eli Tomac won the first professional race he ever entered, the 2010 Hangtown National, and then all these years later he began his final season with a win at the 2026 Anaheim Supercross opener.”
Beyond his on-track achievements, Tomac distinguished himself through charitable work, raising six-figure donations for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital through customised gear and bike graphics auctions, particularly through the Love Moto Stop Cancer initiative.
Tomac’s 2026 campaign was cut short by a hip injury sustained in a qualifying crash at Cleveland whilst running third in the championship standings. He returned for a final top-five finish at the Ironman National finale last weekend with seventh and fifth-place moto results.
Fans will have three final opportunities to witness Tomac compete: 12 September at Historic Crew Stadium in Columbus, 19 September at Dignity Health Sports Park in Los Angeles, and the 26 September SMX World Championship Final at Thunder Ridge Nature Arena in Ridgedale, Missouri.
Eli Tomac’s Championships:
- 2012: 250cc Divisional Supercross Championship
- 2013: 250cc Pro Motocross Championship
- 2017: 450cc Pro Motocross Championship
- 2018: 450cc Pro Motocross Championship
- 2019: 450cc Pro Motocross Championship
- 2020: 450cc Supercross Championship
- 2022: 450cc Supercross Championship
- 2022: 450cc Pro Motocross Championship
Photo: SMX League Media
