End of a Hero Era: Eli Tomac Officially Announces His Retirement from Sport at Age 33, Marking the Final Curtain Call on a Remarkable Two-Decade Career That Transformed Motocross Forever

July 11, 2025 | By MotoWorld News Desk

In a moment that has left fans stunned and nostalgic, Eli Tomac, one of the greatest motocross and supercross racers of all time, has officially announced his retirement from professional racing at the age of 33. With a legacy carved into dirt, grit, and gold, Tomac bows out after an illustrious two-decade career that reshaped the sport and inspired a generation.

The announcement came earlier today via a heartfelt statement shared across Tomac’s social media platforms, where the American icon expressed gratitude to his family, fans, teams, and competitors. “I’ve lived my dream,” Tomac wrote. “Every throttle twist, every finish line, every fall and every win — it’s been an incredible ride. But it’s time to hang it up and move on to the next chapter.”

A Legacy Written in Dust and Glory

Born in Cortez, Colorado, Eli Tomac began riding motorcycles before he could legally ride a bicycle on the street. The son of former professional cyclist John Tomac, Eli inherited a deep competitive spirit — but it was on the dirt tracks, not the pedals, that he carved his own path.

Tomac burst onto the professional scene in 2010 with an unforgettable debut, winning the first AMA Pro Motocross race he ever entered. From that moment, the motocross world knew it was witnessing something special.

Over the years, Tomac collected numerous titles, including:

• 4 AMA Pro Motocross 450 Class Championships
• 2 AMA Supercross 450 Class Championships
• Multiple 250 Class victories
• Over 90 combined Supercross and Motocross main event wins

Tomac was known not just for his victories, but for how he earned them — with jaw-dropping speed, unmatched aggression, and a mental toughness that made him nearly impossible to shake when in form. Whether charging through the pack after a poor start or dueling wheel-to-wheel in the final laps, Eli Tomac never gave up, never let off, and never stopped evolving.

Injuries, Comebacks, and Championship Glory

Tomac’s career wasn’t without its setbacks. He faced multiple injuries that could have ended lesser riders’ seasons — or careers. Yet every time he fell, he came back faster, stronger, and more focused.

Perhaps the most defining comeback was in 2023, when at the height of another championship run, Tomac suffered an Achilles injury that ended his season. While many feared it might be the final blow, Tomac shocked everyone by returning in 2024 with renewed fire, securing more wins and finishing among the sport’s elite once again.

His resilience became a symbol for fans, and his career became not just about victory, but about perseverance, discipline, and unwavering belief.

A Hero On and Off the Track

While Tomac’s on-track dominance made him a fan favorite, it was his humility, sportsmanship, and commitment to the motocross community that made him a hero. He was often the first to congratulate fellow riders after races and the last to talk trash, preferring instead to let his riding speak for itself.

Off the track, Eli remained grounded. He often returned to his Colorado roots, where he trained privately on his own track and lived a quiet family life with his wife and children. He’s supported local motocross programs and inspired young racers to believe in themselves — not just as riders, but as people.

Tributes Pour In

Following the announcement, tributes flooded in from across the motorsports world.

Ken Roczen, Tomac’s longtime rival and fellow icon, wrote: “The fiercest competitor I’ve ever raced. Mad respect to Eli. Motocross won’t be the same without him.”

Ryan Dungey added: “Eli raised the bar for all of us. A true champion and a legend of the sport.”

Fans around the world are using hashtags like #ThankYouEli and #TomacForever to share their memories, favorite races, and tributes to a rider who changed the face of modern motocross.

What’s Next for Tomac?

While Tomac didn’t reveal specific details about his next steps, he hinted at spending more time with family and possibly staying connected to the sport in a new role — perhaps as a mentor, team advisor, or ambassador for motocross development.

“No matter what I do next,” he wrote, “motocross will always be in my blood.”

The Final Lap

Eli Tomac’s retirement marks the end of a heroic era — a time when one man pushed the limits of what a rider could do, not just with a bike, but with heart, soul, and relentless drive.

As the dust settles and the engines quiet, one truth remains: Eli Tomac didn’t just race. He defined a generation.

And now, with the checkered flag waving for the final time, the motocross world rises to say: Thank you, Eli.