Eli Tomac
From his earliest days tearing around Phoenix to now joining the green machine of orange, Eli Tomac’s journey has come full circle. The American motocross and supercross legend, once a youngster on a KTM in the Junior Supercross programme, is heading into the 2026 season with Red Bull KTM Factory Racing.
It’s a story of roots, rivalry and redemption. Back in his developmental years, Tomac rode for the KTM Junior Supercross program as a 50 cc rider in 2001 — marking his first real connection to the Austrian manufacturer. Over the years he raced for Honda, Kawasaki and Yamaha, becoming a six-time premier class champion and a fixture at the top of the sport.
Fast-forward to the present: Tomac has signed on for the 2026 season with Red Bull KTM, officially joining the very factory team he once battled against. The deal was announced in early November 2025, confirming his move and crystallising the “full-circle” narrative. His choice to transition to the KTM 450 SX-F Factory Edition marks his debut on an Austrian machine at the professional level.
There’s something poetic about this transition. For years, Tomac and KTM’s riders were adversaries on the track — he chased them down, they chased him. Now, the roles reverse: he’ll be part of their family, their factory effort, and their weapon in the 2026 championships. As KTM’s Team Manager Ian Harrison said: “We’ve raced against Eli for a decade — now we focus on how we support him to win.”
For Tomac, the switch brings more than a new bike. He recently commented on the move: how impressed he was with KTM’s headquarters, the test tracks, the factory operations. He said the connection felt right, even though it was unfamiliar. “It’s an exciting time for me… this whole group is very committed to racing.”
What makes this chapter even stronger is the timing. Tomac is already one of the most accomplished riders in the sport, but his hunger remains. His 2025 season saw a Supercross win (San Diego) and podium finishes outdoors, proving he’s still very much in contention. Now, with a new team, a new bike, and a new mission, the anticipation among fans is high.
This isn’t just a rider changing bikes — it’s symbolic. A childhood connection reignited, a professional rivalry transformed into partnership, and a legend entering perhaps his final push with a factory team that believes in him. As the orange riders line up in Anaheim 1 for the opener of the 2026 season, Tomac’s number #3 will be a flag of change.
For the fans, for the sport, this is a moment to watch. Will Tomac achieve new heights on the KTM? Will this “powerhouse partnership” deliver championships? Only time will tell — but one thing is certain: the story has come full circle, and the next chapter is about to race away.