Eli Tomac’s Final Yamaha Ride: A New Chapter Awaits as Deegan Moves to 450 in 2026
Eli Tomac’s storied run with Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing is set to conclude at the end of the 2025 season, signaling the end of an era and the beginning of a dynamic transition in the 450 class. With Haiden Deegan set to make his much-anticipated move up to the premier class in 2026, the stage is being set for a generational passing of the torch. Tomac, meanwhile, is not done yet—he’s preparing for a new challenge with a different team in what could be the final act of a Hall of Fame-caliber career.
A Resurgence with Yamaha
When Tomac joined Yamaha in 2022, there were questions about whether the then-veteran could find a second wind after years of dominance with Kawasaki. He answered those questions emphatically. In 2022, Tomac won both the AMA Supercross and Pro Motocross championships, becoming the first rider to claim both crowns in the same season since Ryan Dungey in 2015. It was a reinvention of sorts—the YZ450F suited Tomac’s aggressive, flowing style, and he looked reinvigorated both physically and mentally.
Even after an Achilles injury cut short his 2023 Supercross campaign while leading the points, Tomac returned in 2024 with resilience and poise, competing at a high level and continuing to serve as the anchor of Yamaha’s 450 roster. Through 2025, he has remained one of the sport’s most reliable veterans, mentoring younger riders while still contending for podiums.
But all great runs must end. And with Deegan poised to move up and Yamaha focused on shaping its future around the next wave of talent, Tomac’s departure feels less like a demotion and more like a strategic reshuffling—one that benefits all parties involved.
Haiden Deegan: The 450s Await
Haiden Deegan’s trajectory has been nothing short of meteoric. The son of freestyle motocross legend Brian Deegan, Haiden has quickly established himself as one of the most marketable and talented riders in the sport. His aggressive racing style, strong social media presence, and competitive fire have made him a fan favorite and a sponsor’s dream.
In the 250 class, Deegan has racked up wins and accolades at a blistering pace. His 2024 campaign was a statement of intent—calculated, confident, and complete. With a championship under his belt and little left to prove in the smaller displacement class, his 2026 move to the 450s is a natural progression.
Yamaha sees Deegan as a foundational figure for its future, and clearing space on the 450 roster allows the team to build around him. It’s a bold move, but one with long-term upside. The decision also honors the legacy of Tomac, ensuring that he bows out from Yamaha not because he was pushed out, but because it was simply time for both to evolve.
Tomac’s Next Chapter
Details about Tomac’s next destination remain under wraps, but sources within the industry indicate he is in talks with at least one high-profile team for the 2026 season. While many speculated that 2025 might be Tomac’s final year in the sport altogether, those close to the situation say he’s not quite ready to hang up his boots. His motivation remains high, and he still believes he can win at the highest level.
There’s speculation linking him to KTM, a brand that has shown strong interest in veteran leadership alongside its youth movement. Others have pointed to a possible return to Kawasaki, a team he knows well, or even a wildcard move to HRC Honda. Wherever he lands, Tomac brings championship pedigree, professionalism, and the ability to mentor younger riders—all while still possessing the speed to win.
His decision to keep racing reflects both his passion for competition and the rapidly evolving landscape of the sport. As young stars like Jett Lawrence, Chase Sexton, and soon Deegan rise to prominence, Tomac’s presence ensures that the old guard still has a say in the sport’s present, not just its past.
A Pivotal 2025 Season
With the curtain set to fall on his Yamaha career, 2025 takes on added significance for Tomac. He enters the season focused and healthy, aiming to end his Yamaha tenure with another title run. For Yamaha, it’s a transitional year—one last ride with its most successful recent rider before handing the keys to the franchise to Deegan.
Fans should savor what’s left of Tomac in blue. He remains one of the most composed and explosive riders on the gate, capable of blowing past competitors in a way that few others can replicate. There’s poetry in watching a master of his craft compete at a high level, especially knowing the days are numbered.
The Future Is Now
The sport is at an inflection point. Veterans like Tomac are nearing the twilight of their careers, while young stars are eager to make their mark. The 2026 season already promises to be one of the most anticipated in recent memory, with Deegan’s full-time debut in the 450 class and Tomac’s debut with a new team.
For Yamaha, the future is bright. Deegan gives them a marketable, highly skilled athlete around whom they can build for years to come. For Tomac, the path forward is uncertain but exciting. There are few riders with his résumé, and even fewer with his resilience. His next chapter will be closely watched and widely respected.
As for the fans, 2025 offers a chance to witness something rare—a living legend making one final charge before passing the baton. The #3 Yamaha may soon be retired, but the impact Eli Tomac has had on the brand, the team, and the sport at large will
endure far beyond his final lap in blue.