BREAKING: Eli Tomac announces his retirement date

ELI TOMAC INTERVIEW: “THE 2025 SEASON WILL BE MY FINAL SEASON, THERE IS NO DOUBT ABOUT IT”

Monster Energy Star competing Yamaha rider returned to competing during the recent Budd’s Creek National, which was big news for motocross fans. While Eli finished seventh overall, he placed third overall at Ironman. Tomac was eager to return to racing while simultaneously preparing for the forthcoming SMX series and determining whether he was a suitable fit to represent Team USA in the upcoming Motocross of Nations. (Eli later dropped out of the MXON, citing Aaron Plessinger as a better option to join Chase Sexton and the tbd 250 rider). At Ironman, we had a long, calm talk about a variety of issues.

ELI, LET’S START WITH IRONMAN; ARE YOU HAPPY TO BE ON THE PODIUM? So, as a racer, you want to win. So, I’m not satisfied with third. But I can take that since I’ve been gone from racing for so long. I kept Chase Sexton and Aaron Plessinger in sight. And it was an upgrade over Budd’s Creek.

Your primary goal in returning to the last two nationals was to prepare for SMX, right? Yes, that was my objective in coming here, but I also planned on riding the entire motocross season, so I was just excited to get back to it. I was almost ready for Unadilla, but I ended up giving myself an extra week of training. Then I headed to Budd’s Creek, which was great for getting those gate drops in before SMX. Those SuperMotocross races are our big money races, and I’m excited to race them after missing them the previous year. Overall, this should help me prepare.

AT BUDD’S CREEK, YOU HAD A STRONG FIRST MOTO AND A FOURTH; WHAT HAPPENED IN MOTO TWO? I just didn’t ride as well in moto two, and I had a bad start. I made a couple bike tweaks, and I wasn’t as comfortable, so I was a little more cautious in my riding. I was further back in the group and couldn’t go forward as I had hoped. all was merely more of a battle in Moto 2 – and that was all.

Is your thumb bothering you, or is it fine? Perhaps a little bit. My thumb is probably 90 percent of its previous strength. I still have some strength to build. It is excellent and safe enough to cling on to, yet it is no longer where it once was. My expectations should not be reset to where they were before the injury, but as long as I am healthy, I will continue to progress and grow stronger.

It has been my understanding that the decision-makers behind the MXdN team wanted to see you race before making their final decision. What are your thoughts about that? If I had have performed better, I would have gone to Race des Nations, but I did not show that in Budd’s Creek, and you can see at Ironman that Aaron Plessinger currently deserves that slot. He is currently third in the outdoor series and second in the American standings, therefore I have not earned that. But I’ve been told that the reason they delayed to choose the team was to see how I did in the previous two races, Budd’s Creek and Ironman.

Reading between the lines, you told them you weren’t the best candidate for the job? Yes, because right now I am not, and out of respect for Plessinger, I do not have the right to be in that position. Unless I outperformed Aaron in both Ironman motos, he gets the spot. In my perspective, there is no justification for me to be the team’s second 450 person.

WHAT HAVE YOU MISSED MOST SINCE NOT RACING ALL SIMMER? I believe it’s the intensity; I noticed that I felt a little off at the start of the races, particularly at sprint speed. That is not something you can recreate on the practice track. I still perform admirably in terms of general endurance. I didn’t feel like I was completely missing there. I only wanted to improve on the opening laps and not get buried at the start.

You’ve had some odd, poorly timed injuries in the last two years, haven’t you? They had been. (Laughing) I was particularly unhappy about the injury in Denver, which happened two years in a row. It’s my greatest nightmare to have two injuries that required surgery and extensive recoveries two years in a row. It’s been difficult, and I want at least one more full season under my belt, which is why I signed up to race again in 2025.

Will 2025 be your final season? The 2025 season will be my final one. There is no mistake about that at this stage.

WILL YOU RETURN FOR ANY SPECIAL ONE-OFF RACES? As a racer, I’m apprehensive about being half-committed to something, so maybe I’ll do a couple more after SuperMotocross, like a Paris or a couple of World Supercross events, but my current intention is to retire after 2025. In my perspective, this sport is extremely difficult and risky, and you must be completely committed to it. As I previously stated, it is one of those things that requires a strong commitment. If you have any doubts and are just halfway through, you will undoubtedly lose. It’s potentially harmful because your mind is elsewhere.

You mentioned WORLD SUPERCROSS (WSX). You are racing WSX this fall, correct? Yes, we can ship our motorcycle from the United States, thus it will be my Star Yamaha, but we will be supported by CDR Yamaha. Because that series requires team participation, I will be supported by Craig Dack Racing (CDR) for all of the events.

I believe the term “BREAST MODE” was coined with YOU in mind. WHO APPEARS AS ELI TOMAC’S HEIR IN BEAST MODE? Chase has done a tremendous job so far this year. Chase has made some good comebacks and has been consistent, so he is the man for motocross right now. Then, if we have to go to the younger class in the 250s, it is Haiden. He has a great deal of tenacity and determination.

WHEN YOUR RACE CAREER ENDS AT THE END OF 2025, WILL YOU STEP AWAY OR TRY TO REMAIN INVOLVED TO SOME DEGREE? That’s a tremendous unknown. I know I have a lot going on at home right now, especially with three children, so I’ll be busy. I’m not sure if I’ll stay in the industry once I’m done racing. I’m not sure yet.

LET’S RETURN TO WSX; WHY ARE YOU RACING THE SERIES? There are several reasons why I’m doing this. It’s about getting more races under my belt. I’ve got the entire summer off, and WSX is excellent timing for that. In my perspective, it will prepare me for the 2025 Supercross series. And it’s fantastic to be able to explore the world. I get to see a few nations. I visited Australia as a child but have not returned in adulthood. I haven’t gone to Abu Dhabi. I’m excited to explore new areas.

You mentioned Chase Sexton before; what are your thoughts on JETT LAWRENCE? He is quite efficient, and his style complements the 450 beautifully. That is what I’ve noticed. It is an effortless style that complements a 450. As previously stated, he is extremely efficient, and it is something he has brought to the table. He’s keeping up the pace while managing his energy.

THERE HAS BEEN TALK OF ENDING YOUR CAREER WITH A SEASON IN WORLD MOTOCROSS, BUT THAT IS NOT GOING TO HAPPEN, IS IT? That is not in the cards. It is not on my Bingo card to go racing GPs; no.

Would you agree that 2025 appears to be a very competitive and stacked 450 class? I do, and it’s fantastic for the sport and the fans. You know how competitive the field is right now, with so many distinct characters and styles out there. Supercross and motocross are currently in a very excellent situation.

You are rather quiet, but your fan base is really loud. What’s it like to hear everyone cheering for you? One thing is certain: there is nothing like being inside that stadium, hearing and seeing everyone. Especially now that crowds are growing, you don’t want to take it for granted and must live in the moment.