Eli Tomac isn’t wasting any time.
In just his first race with the Factory Red Bull KTM USA team, Tomac stormed to victory at Round 2 of the World Supercross Championship in Vancouver. For any rider, winning on a new bike is impressive. For Tomac, a veteran coming off injuries and a major brand switch, it’s a statement.
And for the rest of the field heading into 2026?
It’s a problem.
A Win That Means More Than Just Points
This wasn’t just Tomac winning a main event. This was Tomac proving that his transition to KTM is already clicking, and that the chemistry is arriving far earlier than most expected.
Switching manufacturers late in a career is notoriously difficult. New ergonomics, new engine feel, new settings, new team culture… it usually takes months to dial in.
Tomac did it in one weekend.
That alone speaks volumes about how dangerous he’s going to be in 2026.
A Veteran Who Still Has It
At 30-plus, many riders begin to fade. Tomac seems to be doing the opposite, he’s sharpened, motivated, and riding with something to prove.
What stood out in Vancouver:
• Instant comfort on the KTM
• Typical Tomac aggression in the later laps
• Composure under pressure
• A bike that looked tailored to his style already
When Eli is comfortable, he’s lethal. And we’re seeing signs of that comfort earlier than anyone predicted.
A Nightmare for His Rivals
If this is the baseline, then the competition should be concerned. By the time Supercross 2026 rolls around, Tomac will have:
• A full off-season of KTM development
• Factory Austrian backing
• A bike refined entirely to his liking
• Growing momentum
• Zero pressure compared to younger riders
And let’s be honest, when Tomac builds momentum, he becomes one of the most dominant riders the sport has ever seen.
What This Means for KTM
This win couldn’t come at a better time for the brand. KTM is in the middle of a massive rider realignment across the sport, and securing Tomac, and seeing him win instantly, reinforces that they’re still a superpower.
It boosts:
• Team morale
• Their attack on the 2026 Supercross
• The belief that Tomac can deliver championships on orange
It also sends a message to the paddock: KTM’s not going anywhere.
Looking Ahead to 2026
If Vancouver is a preview, 2026 could be one of the most intense title fights we’ve seen in years.
Tomac on a fresh team.
New rivals moving teams.
A highly competitive 450 field.
A motivated veteran with nothing to lose.
Eli Tomac looked too comfortable in Vancouver, and that’s exactly why the rest of the world should be paying attention.
This wasn’t just a win.
It was a warning.
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