INTERVIEW: ELI TOMAC

On Saturday, May 22, 2010, a full-on rookie from Cortez, Colorado named Eli Tomac lined up for the 2010 AMA National opener, the 42^nd annual Hangtown Motocross Classic in sun scorched Rancho Cordova, California. On a GEICO Honda CRF250R, the sensational young talent took the measure of competitors Trey Canard, Christophe Pourcel and Tommy Searle to triumph in the very first professional race he entered. In doing so, the nineteen year-old became the very first rider in AMA Pro Racing history to win in his professional debut.

“This goes beyond anything I could have hoped for,” Tomac told the motocross world that eventful afternoon in Northern California. “We came here not really knowing what to expect. You hope you’ll match up with everyone but until you get out there in a real race you never know. To win this race, my first race with this team, is really something.”

Fifteen years, two Monster Energy AMA Supercross Championships (2022, 2020), four AMA Pro Motocross Championships (2022, 2019, 2018, 2017), five Team USA Motocross of Nations appearances (2024, 2022, 2018, 2014, 2013), and the Best Athlete, Men’s Action Sports ESPY Award later, Eli Tomac is still totally fast at it. 

Prior to the penultimate round of the 2025 AMA Pro Motocross Championship at Unadilla MX in New Berlin, New York, we tracked down Eli Tomac. Standing third overall in 450 Class points, Tomac was poised to compete in the last four motos of the fifteenth season of his legendary career.

“Well, I’m trying to finish out strong in these final couple of motocross races,” explained Tomac of his Unadilla mission. “I also want to start getting ready for SMX. That’s coming up quick here for us. My plan is to actually get on an SMX track next week, so we’ll start preparation for that. I just never really want to stop trying to improve myself and never give up. Yeah, I’m still looking for that overall win on this season. You know we’re slowly running out of time here, but we’re definitely not giving up any time soon.”

Now one of the longest tenured riders in the entire sport worldwide, Tomac, despite all the radical ups-and-downs motocross can present, is every bit as enthused and determined to go racing as he has ever been.

“Yeah, yeah, that’s just a must if you want to try to be the best and stay around that podium,” smiled Tomac., who has two moto wins to his name in ’25. “You’ve just got to keep trying no matter what. This motocross season, of course I’ve wanted some more, but like I said, we’re still grinding and still trying to improve ourselves and better our race results. We’ll see what happens here in these last two rounds.”

Having strung together both an extraordinary, as well as a lengthy racing career, Eli Tomac still remembers the very first career victory he earned at Hangtown a decade and a half back. 

“Fifteen years is starting to sound pretty old for a professional motocross career! Laughed Tomac. “But it’s been great. I feel I’ve managed that time frame very well. I never felt like I burnt myself out, by any means. That’s how I got this far – with by not being burnt out and enjoying racing. That’s a key, too. Racing is a high pressure and high stress situations, but at the same time, you’ve got to have fun doing it. I’ve been able to do that my last few years of racing, so that’s how I’ve got fifteen years down the road. Yep, it’s enjoying what you do. Like I said, it’s not over yet.

“I’m also looking forward to the approaching Motocross of Nations,” furthered Tomac on competing in the world’s most prestigious motocross race come September. “That team was just picked this last weekend at the Ironman National and we get to race Motocross of Nations at Ironman. So it’s another race I’m just really excited to go do. I figured I would be chosen, but you just never know. I’ve had a couple of funky races this season, but for the most part, I’ve been one of the stronger 450 guys. Of course I expected the call to race for the team, and got the call, and we are looking like we have a solid team this year.”

Currently third in the AMA Pro Racing 450 Championship, Tomac has mixed emotions on the season and his performance throughout it.

“It’s okay, but I do feel like I’ve fallen short,” explained the son of legendary cyclist John Tomac. “I’ve had those two moto wins, but for me, I’ve wanted more. I’ve wanted an overall win and I have not gotten that yet. As a racer, I’m not super satisfied and of course the competition and the landscape is always chasing. I would just rate it okay for right now. Me, personally, I feel like a little bit short of my goals. I’ve lacked from consistency from weekend to weekend and bringing that. I’ve just had some inconsistency from track to track and performing the same way and just not getting an overall win. Like I said, hopefully I can make something happen here in these last two motocross races. I’ve always loved motocross. I feel like it’s definitely my jam and we’ll see what we can do.”

Tomac also addressed competing against the Lawrence brothers during the 2025 outdoor season. 

“It’s just incredible to watch two brothers perform at the highest level. That’s what makes the story really cool. Them being brothers, it’s incredible that they’ve made it to the highest level of the sport. And of course they’re fast. They’re fast. They’re the next generation and they are very quick. Jett, of course, is on another level. And I enjoy racing Jett and Hunter. It’s a cool story with those guys.”

Can Eli Tomac nail down an overall win this weekend or next at either the Unadilla MX circuit in New York or at Budds Creek in Maryland?

“Well, I’m going to look at it like I’m just going to tackle it and take it on and do the best that I can,” he replied. “On paper, it’s actually not a great track for me. We actually have done some development on the motorcycle this week that I thinks is going to pay off at this track. I’m excited to put that to the test. And at the final round at Budds Creek, I always have a good flow there. It’s a track that I enjoy with just the way it develops. Yeah, I’m trying to keep a positive outlook for these last two races.”

Tomac is keen to compete in the approaching 2025 Motocross of Nations set for October 5, 2025 at Ironman Raceway in Indiana. 

“Yeah, any time you’re on home turf, it’s a big deal to perform. We have a total A Team this year with Chase Sexton, Haiden Deegan and myself. There is nothing like having this race on home turf, so it’s exciting. I’ve done two of these in the USA and we’ve won one and I’ve also been on a team that has not won in the USA. It’s just an event like not other. It’s going to be an awesome time out there at Ironman.”

Just before the interview was complete, we asked Eli Tomac if he knew where he was regarding the 2026 racing season.  

“Well… On the record, I’ll be racing a full season in 2026. That’s the best I can say. I’m back again for 2026 and excited to make another lap doing it.”

Can he be a champion again?

“I can win a championship. It just takes consistency. Of course the level is always getting raised. I have won some single motos and some races this year, so I can still perform at the top. If I’m consistent and healthy, heck yeah I can win. You just don’t know until you go racing in this sport. And that’s the most important part is being in it to win it, week-in and week-out. I’ve got no issues with continuing this lifestyle of racing. I love it. I love the competition. I love traveling and seeing all the fans and the different places. If I’m thus competitive and in the game, I’m like, ‘Yep, sign me up again.’” 

And does Eli Tomac know just who he will be racing for come 2026?

“Well, that stuff can’t be disclosed. (laughter). That’s just for a later time.”