Eli Tomac Set to Join Red Bull KTM Factory Racing for 2026
In a high-profile move that is poised to shake up the American motocross and supercross landscape, four-time 450MX champion Eli Tomac is reported to be switching allegiances to the Red Bull KTM Factory Racing team for the 2026 season.
A Big Change for Tomac and KTM
For Tomac, the move marks the end of his tenure with Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing, with sources confirming that his time with Yamaha will conclude at the 2025 season’s end — specifically at the FIM Motocross of Nations (“MXoN”) event. Meanwhile, for KTM the acquisition of a rider of Tomac’s calibre signals a strategic push to bolster their factory-team line-up and regain dominance in the U.S. 450 class.
With the departure of Chase Sexton from the Red Bull KTM ride, the vacancy in the 450 class opened the door for Tomac’s arrival.
Why It Matters
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Experience and Proven Talent: Tomac’s résumé speaks for itself—he has earned multiple major titles in the 450 class and remains a threat on race day. Reports note that despite his health setbacks in recent years, he is still competitive and motivated.
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Team Strategy: Red Bull KTM clearly sees this as a marquee signing to reinforce their 450 programme for 2026, aligning with prior announcements about their ambitions for that season.
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Rider Market Shift: This move reflects wider shifts in the “silly season” of motocross/supercross, where top riders and factory teams reposition for competitiveness—and Tomac’s switch is one of the bigger headline grabs of the off-season.
What to Watch
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Bike Fit & Adaptation: Tomac will need to adapt to KTM’s 450 SX-F/450 SX-F Factory Edition package, team culture and engineering preferences. While a top-tier talent, such transitions always pose questions about fit, setup, and chemistry.
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Expectations: With his arrival, expectations will naturally be high. The team and fans will look for podiums, wins and perhaps a title push. At the same time, Tomac’s age and past injury history may temper some expectations.
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Beneficiaries & Ripples: Tomac’s move may trigger further roster adjustments across the sport. Chains of riders shifting seats, changing manufacturers or altering strategies often follow a major signing like this.
Looking Ahead
For the remainder of the 2025 season, Tomac remains with Yamaha and will finish up his commitments. Then all eyes shift to 2026, when the new KTM-Tomac era officially begins. It will be fascinating to see how the merger of his style and experience with KTM’s factory programme unfolds—and whether it delivers the next chapter of success for both rider and team.
Overall, this is a marquee move in motocross/supercross. Martyred to many fans as one of the sport’s enduring top-tier riders, Tomac joining Red Bull KTM Factory Racing serves as a statement of intent—for him and for the team. The anticipation now builds: will 2026 be the year they deliver?
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