In a stunning turn of events, motocross icon Eli Tomac has officially rejected a major contract offer from KTM and announced he’ll be joining Ducati for the 2026 season.
The news comes as a shock to fans and industry insiders, who expected Tomac to either re-sign with Yamaha or consider retirement following a decorated career.
Instead, the veteran champion is gearing up for an all-new challenge, making history as one of the first major riders to sign with Ducati as they step into the world of motocross.
The KTM deal, rumored to be worth over $10 million with bonus structures and long-term brand endorsements, was believed to be the front-runner for Tomac’s post-injury return. But in a move few saw coming, he turned down the offer in favor of Ducati’s ambitious vision. “I’ve done a lot in this sport,” Tomac said in an official statement. “But I’m not done yet. Ducati came to me with a fresh outlook, a new platform, and a chance to be part of something groundbreaking. I’m ready for a new chapter.”
Eli Tomac’s career has been defined by dominance, grit, and resilience. With multiple championships and countless wins under his belt, he has nothing left to prove. Yet, his hunger for new challenges remains as strong as ever.
Ducati’s entrance into motocross, long rumored but never confirmed until now, appears to have ignited that fire. Sources close to the deal say Tomac was heavily involved in early test rides and discussions around bike development, helping shape the team’s future before contracts were even on the table.
The decision to turn down KTM wasn’t made lightly. Known for their strong factory program and winning pedigree, KTM was seen as the “safe” choice – a final stop where Tomac could have continued to rack up wins. But according to insiders, the pull of helping Ducati make history in a new arena was simply too powerful to pass up. Tomac will play a key role in leading Ducati’s debut into the AMA Supercross and Pro Motocross Championships in 2026.
For Ducati, this is a massive statement. Already dominant in MotoGP and Superbike, their move into motocross signals a bold expansion into off-road racing. And with a name like Eli Tomac headlining the effort, they’ve made it clear they aren’t here to experiment – they’re here to win. The partnership also marks a fusion of elite European engineering with the battle-hardened experience of one of America’s greatest riders.
Tomac’s longtime mechanic, trainers, and even his family have shown full support. “This isn’t just a contract decision – it’s about legacy,” said one team source. “Eli could’ve taken the easy route. Instead, he’s choosing to build something new, something that could reshape the sport in the years to come.” Fans are already buzzing with excitement over what a Tomac–Ducati pairing might look like on the track.
As the 2025 season progresses and eyes turn toward 2026, all attention will be on Ducati’s development program – and Eli Tomac’s next move. While he may be nearing the twilight of his career, this latest decision proves he’s still chasing greatness. In true Tomac fashion, he’s doing it his way: bold, unexpected, and all-in.
