When Eli Tomac rolled up to the gate at the 2010 Hangtown Motocross Classic, few could have predicted the history that was about to unfold. Just 17 years old, aboard a GEICO Honda CRF250R, Tomac stunned the motocross world by winning his very first professional race. Facing veterans like Trey Canard, Christophe Pourcel, and Tommy Searle, the rookie from Cortez, Colorado became the first rider in AMA Pro Racing history to win in his pro debut. It was a moment that set the tone for what has become one of the most decorated careers in the sport.
Fifteen years later, Tomac is still very much in the fight. With two Monster Energy AMA Supercross Championships (2020, 2022) and five AMA Pro Motocross Championships (2013 on a 250, then 2017, 2018, 2019, and 2022 in the premier class), his name already belongs among the legends of motocross. Yet here he is in 2025, still charging, still hungry, and still chasing wins against the younger generation.
This weekend, all eyes turn to Unadilla MX in New Berlin, New York — one of the most iconic stops on the AMA Pro Motocross Championship calendar. For Tomac, it represents more than just another race. Sitting third overall in 450 Class points, he knows opportunities for an overall win are running out this season. But if there’s one thing fans have learned over the years, it’s that Eli Tomac doesn’t line up just to fill the gate. He comes to win.
“Well, I’m trying to finish out strong in these final couple of motocross races,” Tomac explained in the lead-up to Unadilla. “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.”
That determination has defined his career. Even after an Achilles injury in 2023 left many wondering if he’d ever return to full strength, Tomac bounced back. Now, at 32, he’s not only competing but pushing the likes of Jett and Hunter Lawrence — two brothers who have taken the motocross world by storm. The Lawrence duo, riding for Honda HRC, have raised the bar in both motocross and Supercross, but Tomac has never been one to back down from a challenge. In fact, he seems to relish the battle.
Unadilla has always been a proving ground for legends, and for Tomac, it offers one more chance to show he can still go toe-to-toe with the best in the world. Fans will be watching closely to see if the Colorado native can pull off an overall victory before the season closes out. And while talk of retirement is never far from the conversation with a veteran rider, Tomac made it clear he’s not finished just yet.
Looking ahead to 2026, the big question is whether Eli Tomac will continue lining up against the next wave of stars or finally step away after an extraordinary run. For now, though, he isn’t concerned about putting an end date on his career. He’s focused on the motos right in front of him, the upcoming SuperMotocross (SMX) playoffs, and, as he put it, “never giving up.”
Whether he wins at Unadilla or not, one thing is certain: Eli Tomac’s legacy is already cemented. He debuted with a victory, built a career stacked with championships, and remains one of the fiercest competitors the sport has ever seen. And with every gate drop, he reminds fans why he’s still a rider worth cheering for — because even after 15 seasons, Eli Tomac is not done.