Image: Octopi Media.

The decision to retire is already sinking in for Eli Tomac following the weekend’s Monster Energy SMX World Championship Final, signalling the official end of his decorated career in what he said was a ‘stressful’ final professional race at Thunder Ridge Nature Arena.

The 33-year-old announced his retirement in the weeks leading up to the 2026 SMX post-season – a decision believed to have been accelerated by the neck injury sustained early in Pro Motocross – acknowledging that the time was right following a championship-winning career.

Tributes from within the industry and fans trackside flowed in for Tomac throughout the high-profile race weekend in Missouri, creating an emotion-charged atmosphere as he raced to 12th overall in his final professional race courtesy of 13-11 moto scores.

“Oh, it has sunk in, and I was trying to have fun, but to be straight up, there were some stressful moments for me out there,” Tomac admitted post-race. “I got close to the hay-bales twice in that last moto, and I’m like, ‘I should not be doing this right now’ [laughs].

“But what a ride it has been – I got to literally live the dream, and yeah, it’s been a ride. I’m so thankful for everyone, and I’ve said this a million times, but I truly am grateful for the whole family of Supercross and Pro Motocross, so, thank you.”

Tomac’s career spanned almost two decades, highlighted by two 450SX championships (2020, 2022) and four 450MX titles (2017, 2018, 2019, 2022). He also ranks second on the all-time 450SX wins list with 57 main event victories, while sitting fourth for 450MX overalls with 32.

While it was initially anticipated that he would continue into 2027 on a Monster Energy Supercross-only arrangement with Red Bull KTM Factory Racing, a lengthy decision-making process ultimately led the Colorado native to call time on his career and enter the next chapter of his life.

“[Racing] is all we know, so I don’t know exactly what the next thing is,” he continued. “But I know that I am looking forward to it. I have such a wonderful family, and I can’t wait for what that next thing is, even though I don’t know exactly what it is.”