**Eli Tomac in 2026: What’s Next for a Motocross Legend?**
As the dust begins to settle on the 2025 AMA Supercross and Pro Motocross seasons, one name remains front and center in every conversation about the sport’s future: Eli Tomac. With a career that spans over a decade of jaw-dropping performances, championship titles, and dramatic comebacks, Tomac has become more than just a racer—he’s a living legend. Now, as fans and insiders speculate on what comes next, 2026 could mark either a defining chapter or a graceful exit for the iconic rider.
Whether he continues to chase championships or steps into a new role within the sport, the options on the table for Eli Tomac are as intriguing as his career has been thrilling. Let’s take a closer look at the paths he might pursue in 2026.
1. One More Year: Returning to Racing**
At 33 years old in 2026, Eli Tomac would not be the oldest rider to line up behind the gate, but he would be well past the typical peak age for motocross and Supercross racers. Yet, Tomac has proven time and time again that age is just a number—especially for someone with his fitness, discipline, and technical mastery.
After recovering from a devastating Achilles injury in 2023, Tomac shocked the racing world by returning in 2024 with strong performances, and he showed flashes of his former dominance again in 2025. If he feels physically capable and mentally focused, there’s no reason he couldn’t sign on for one more year—either full-time or as part of a limited schedule.
In this scenario, he could take a cue from riders like Chad Reed or Ryan Dungey, who extended their careers strategically—racing selected rounds or focusing on either the Supercross or Motocross series. A final season would give fans one last chance to witness the raw power and finesse that have defined his style for so long.
2. Transition to World Supercross (WSX)**
With the growing popularity and global reach of the World Supercross Championship (WSX), it’s not out of the question that Tomac could pivot toward the international stage. The WSX series has been enticing veteran riders with lucrative contracts and lighter racing schedules, offering a way to stay competitive without the physical grind of the full AMA calendar.
For Tomac, the WSX format could be appealing. He’d get to continue racing, travel globally, and potentially become a marquee name for a team looking to boost their profile. His presence would not only elevate the competition but also attract American fans to the global platform—something the WSX organizers would surely embrace.
And from Tomac’s perspective, a WSX deal might be the perfect blend of competition and lifestyle as he eases out of the all-consuming demands of U.S. racing.
3. A Move into Team Ownership or Management**
If 2025 turns out to be his final full-time racing year, Tomac may still have the itch to stay closely involved in the sport. One natural evolution for a racer of his caliber would be moving into team ownership or management. With his experience, reputation, and business savvy, he could easily become a respected figure leading the next generation of riders.
This route would allow Tomac to stay in the paddock and influence the sport in a meaningful way, while also mentoring younger talent. Imagine an “ET3 Racing” team, with Tomac serving as team principal—drawing from his years under major factory setups like Kawasaki and Yamaha to build something that reflects his philosophy and approach.
There’s also the potential for partnerships. A collaboration with an existing manufacturer or gear brand to launch a satellite team could be a perfect transition, allowing him to grow the sport while maintaining his connection to the bikes and community he knows best.
4. Broadcasting and Media Opportunities**
Motocross and Supercross coverage has evolved dramatically in recent years, with more former riders joining broadcast booths, digital media platforms, and podcasting to share insights from a rider’s perspective. With his quiet charisma and encyclopedic knowledge of the sport, Tomac would be a natural fit for TV commentary or YouTube analysis shows.
Though he’s known for being relatively reserved compared to some of his peers, his interviews and appearances have always carried weight. Fans respect his opinions, and his calm, measured take on racing strategy and performance could bring a fresh voice to race-day coverage.
If he chooses this route, Tomac could follow in the footsteps of Ricky Carmichael and James Stewart, both of whom transitioned successfully into media while maintaining their legendary status. Whether calling races live or hosting a weekly show analyzing results and techniques, this path would keep Tomac’s legacy front and center while offering a less physically demanding way to stay involved.
5. Life Off the Track: Personal Ventures and the Quiet Life**
There’s also a chance that 2026 could see Tomac pivot away from the racing spotlight entirely, focusing on his personal life, his ranch in Colorado, and the many business ventures he could pursue outside the motocross world.
Tomac is known for his love of the outdoors—whether it’s mountain biking, snowmobiling, or hunting—and he could easily build a lifestyle brand around those interests. With the rise of rider-founded clothing lines, training programs, and even motorsports retreats, the “Eli Tomac” name has strong market potential.
Additionally, his legacy would support product collaborations with gear brands, motocross apparel companies, or even e-bike manufacturers. If he chooses this path, he could shift from competitor to influencer—still shaping the sport and its culture, but on his own terms.
**Legacy Considerations: Cementing His Place in History**
No matter which path he chooses, 2026 represents a critical moment in Tomac’s career arc. He’s already a multi-time AMA Supercross and Motocross champion. His comeback after injury, his decision to switch teams mid-career, and his technical brilliance across different types of tracks have all contributed to a legacy that places him among the all-time greats.
If he retires, the Hall of Fame induction is inevitable. If he continues, even for just one more season, it will be another chapter in a career built on determination, adaptability, and a refusal to settle.
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### Final Thoughts
As Eli Tomac weighs his options for 2026, the motocross world watches with anticipation. Whether he lines up at Anaheim 1 one last time, steps into the broadcast booth, or rides off into a Colorado sunset, one thing is clear: his influence on the sport will be felt for decades to come.
Tomac has never been about flash—he’s been about substance. Whatever his next move, fans can expect it to reflect the same thoughtfulness, passion, and grit that have defined his journey from rookie phenom to racing royalty.
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