By Justin Schuoler
After a successful six years together, Eli Tomac and Monster Energy Kawasaki have decided to end their relationship after the 2021 Lucas Oil Pro Motocross AMA Championship season.
“There were some good results in there, and also there were some not-so-good weekends in there,” Tomac shared at the end of his Monster Energy AMA Supercross season The season was a little bit more up and down than I would have liked, but we never stopped fighting, and I’m just thankful that we go those races in.”
Kawasaki and Tomac confirmed they will not renew their rider agreement, mutually deciding not to pursue a contract extension. With three championships in Pro Motocross and the 2020 450SX Champion, Tomac is now sitting high on the list for prospective teams. Before that, they look to close out 2021 strong.
“As they look ahead to the upcoming Pro Motocross season,” Kawasaki shared on social media. “The team and Tomac are both committed to earning their fourth championship in the last five years with preparations starting this week.”
Steve Matthes, Host of The Pulp MX Show, had his predictions in as early as two days before the official announcement. Many others seemed to be on the same page as well. Fans had mixed feelings when the official announcement came out. Monster Energy Star Yamaha Racing already have three strong riders in their lineup with Malcolm Stewart, Aaron Plessinger, and 2021 Monster Energy AMA Supercross Rookie of the Year Dylan Ferrandis. They also each earned their first career podiums in the 450SX class this year at Houston 2, Daytona and Salt Lake City 1, respectively.
But another team that could use another serious competitor is the team that snatched the center step of the podium in their first race in Supercross: Troy Lee Designs Red Bull GasGas. Justin Barcia, the face of the team’s surgance into Supercross, gave them the best start they could with a victory at Houston 1, his third straight opening race win of the 450SX season. Michael Mosiman earned two podiums and five top-five finishes in the 250SX East division, finishing fifth in the points. Out West, Pierce Brown snagged his podium result at Daytona. Even though they only have one rider in each division, it’s a solid crew to partner with.
However, for now, there’s no official announcement on Tomac’s next move.
“I can’t really talk about that right now, so no comment.”
Instead, his confidence is focused on securing another championship before his next big move.
“The championship is our goal, and we’ll be plenty capable of going after that.”
Photo courtesy of Feld Entertainment, Inc.