Eli Tomac Reflects on His Decision to Race MXoN, Finding Joy Late in His Career, and His Future Plans
In the world of motocross, few names carry as much weight as Eli Tomac. The American rider, known for his blistering speed, fierce competitiveness, and relentless work ethic, has been a dominant force in the sport for more than a decade. But as he edges closer to the twilight of his career, Tomac has opened up about his recent decision to race in the prestigious Motocross of Nations (MXoN), how he’s finding more joy in riding than ever before, and what the future holds for him in 2025 and beyond.
The Decision to Race MXoN: A Long-Awaited Return
For motocross fans, the MXoN represents the pinnacle of the sport’s team competition, where riders from different nations come together to compete for the prestigious Chamberlain Trophy. The United States, which has a storied history at MXoN, has seen its share of ups and downs in recent years. For Tomac, the decision to race in the 2024 edition of the event wasn’t made lightly.
In a candid interview, Tomac admitted that returning to MXoN after a few years away was a major personal decision. “It’s always been an honor to represent my country, but the timing needed to be right. After my injury earlier this year, I wasn’t sure if I’d get the chance to compete at this level again. But once I got back to full strength, the fire to race in MXoN reignited.”
Tomac’s decision also reflects his desire to give back to the sport that has given him so much. “Racing in front of a global crowd with teammates who are some of the best riders in the world, it’s something special,” he said. “I’m at a stage where I want to enjoy these moments and make the most of what’s left of my career.”
Late-Career Fun: A New Perspective
At 31, Tomac’s career has been nothing short of remarkable. He has won numerous championships in both Supercross and Motocross, solidifying his status as one of the all-time greats. But what stands out now, as Tomac enters the later stages of his career, is his renewed sense of joy and freedom on the bike.
“I’m having more fun now than I ever did earlier in my career,” Tomac revealed. “When you’re younger, there’s this pressure to prove yourself constantly. Every race is do-or-die. But once you’ve won championships and reached the top, you can ride with a different mindset. I feel like I’m just out there enjoying the ride, literally and figuratively.”
Part of this shift in mindset comes from maturity and the understanding that there’s more to life than racing. “I’ve been fortunate to stay healthy for most of my career, and I think that’s allowed me to continue to push myself. But now, it’s about balancing that with family life, enjoying the travel, and appreciating the experiences.”
Tomac’s laid-back approach doesn’t mean he’s lost his edge, though. “I still want to win every time I line up,” he said with a smile. “That competitive fire never goes away. But now, there’s a sense of calm that wasn’t there before. I’m not racing with the same weight on my shoulders.”
Plans for 2025 and Beyond
With his racing career approaching its final chapters, fans have eagerly speculated about what Tomac’s future holds. Will he retire after this season, or will he continue to chase championships in 2025?
“I’ve been thinking a lot about the future,” Tomac admitted. “I still love racing, and physically, I feel like I can continue for another year or two. But it’s not just about what I want. My family has been incredibly supportive throughout my career, and I owe it to them to make the right decision.”
Tomac hinted that 2025 could be his last full season, though nothing is set in stone. “I’ve got some things I want to accomplish still. If my body holds up, I’d like to give it one more full push in 2025. But after that, we’ll see. It might be time to focus on other parts of life.”
One of those “other parts” includes passing on his knowledge to the next generation of riders. “I’ve been talking with some teams about staying involved in the sport, maybe in a coaching or mentoring role,” he shared. “It’s something I’m passionate about because I’ve learned so much over the years, and I want to help the younger guys avoid some of the mistakes I made early on.”
Embracing the Next Chapter
Whether Tomac continues racing for another year or decides to transition into a mentorship role, one thing is clear: his passion for the sport remains as strong as ever. “I’m excited about the next chapter, whatever it looks like,” he said. “Motocross has been my life for so long, and I can’t imagine walking away entirely.”
For now, Tomac remains focused on the tasks at hand—competing at the MXoN and finishing the 2024 season on a high note. “I’m taking it one race at a time,” he said with a grin. “But I’m having a blast, and that’s what it’s all about.”
As Tomac’s storied career continues to unfold, fans around the world will be watching closely. Whether he’s on the starting line or in the pit area, one thing is certain: Eli Tomac’s impact on the world of motocross will be felt for years to come. And as he navigates this final stage of his career, he’s determined to enjoy every minute of it.
