Yes, I know it's widely expected him to join KTM...but does he actually do it? He's ET3...the man is a legend. We all know this, and so does he. He also has said countless times he'll keep racing so long as he thinks he can win. "Winning" to ET3 = Championships. He has to know he's a consistent 3rd place guy behind either Hunta or Chase. Yes, the stars will align and he'll take a win here and there...but does he accept this? He hasn't said a word about moving teams or next steps...does he bow out? Just call it a day in ET3 style of very low-key and quiet??
I'm a huge fan of his, but this feels like Jordan going to Charlotte for those last couple of seasons. Those seasons shouldn't have happened as they're just a footnote to history that nobody even remembers. I wonder if would be the same for him? He comes back for '26, finishes 4th in the points (or whatever) and THEN he hangs it up? I'd much rather him formally pass the torch now as a 33y old and bow out gracefully rather than be pushed aside and "put out to pasture."
Just spitballin' here but what do you guys think?
Jordan never played for Charlotte. He played for the Washington Wizards for his final 2 seasons.
you are correct. Pours 2nd cup of coffee.........
I typically believe what Eli says. He was unsure of what he was going to do until he was sure he wanted 2 more years. I suspect he will ride 2 more years. The 2nd might be an SX only deal.
I don't believe he is going to retire, he was fast as ever early on in Supercross. Outdoors it was clear the he wasn't gelling with the current Gen Yamaha. He also smoked everyone in the second moto other than HJ at mxdn.
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He has shown enough speed this year to continue IMO. I do think his recent outdoors is a bit clouded due to bike issues with this spec YZ. However, we are getting to the point where a change could play out exactly as you described and make it a disappointment. As long as he feels motivated I’m all in for him continuing.
Yesterday in his second moto he was as fast as anyone it seemed. Sometimes I think these guys grieve the pressure of their career, think it’s time to retire, and then find a second wind with a “borrowed time” mindset just enjoying it for what it is since they could’ve already been done. I think that’s where ET is at potentially
agreed. Selfishly, I want him to keep going. My heart wants him to hang up, though. I really don't want him to retire after a big get-off while pushing it too hard to catch JL who he knows he can't catch unless he absolutely sails it past his comfort level. And let's be honest, he's only one wreck away from retirement (aren't we all?) - he blows out a knee or something, there's no way he's going to surgery/rehab/train....to come out another year later and at best get 4th.
JMO.
2nd and 3rd place still pay very well and the Tomac’s love money 🤑
maybe. But I have $20m in the bank and 3 young kids at home, hanging it out and risking my life for 3rd place sounds far less fun than watching the races from the couch while healthy, rich, and surrounded by family.
Interesting take…I don’t know Eli at all personally but I get zero vibe that it’s about the money for him. I think he just loves racing and grinding
Any chance he goes to Kawasaki instead of KTM?
He is at a different stage in his life, and he actually seems to be enjoying it more than when he was younger.
He has already proven himself to be a legend. Yes, he still has the fire inside. But I think now it is more about taking the time to take it all in with his family around him.
He is 2 rows behind me on my flight right now. Should I just ask him?
He is probably looking at the same thread on vital. And probably stoked to have had his last ride on the blue pig
I get what you are saying. Add Gretzky to that reference. We want our heroes to hang up the spurs when they are on top. I had the same feeling when he left Kawasaki - but we see how that turned out. So maybe KTM will be fine. One question I have is are they going to retrofit a cable clutch for him or will he have to get used to the hydraulic?
Why would he want to retire whilst he is still a podium guy earning millions? Make hay while the sun shines mate.
Yes. Also ask how he likes the 23+ YZ compared to the 22. Thanks.
On the Sunday Vital wrap up they said he will be starting to ride the KTM the week after next
Pit Row
I’ve said it before that it reminds me of when canard went to KTM.
The thing that I respect the most about Tomac is the fact that he’s highly intelligent and tends to keep most of his thoughts to himself… or at least out of the media. He’s a “speak softly and carry a big stick” kinda guy. When he does reveal some insight, it has been carefully thought out. Otherwise, he keeps it private. Case in point is his Porsche attraction. I remember a Pulp caller once asking him about his car, and Eli simply said he doesn’t talk about that stuff, just motocross.
So he’ll never reveal if he’s in it for the money; it’s much more sponsorship-positive to claim to be all about the wins.
Tomac is a class act, and could possibly end up the most respected US motocrosser ever.
Vancouver November 15th.
I think ET has been dissecting Jett's riding. Some have even said they think he's adapting his bike setup. He knows Jett is faster, I believe he thinks he can still improve.
Name the one rider who beat a Lawrence all weekend at MXoN...
Name the one rider who kept pace with the Lawrences in SMX....
Name one of only 2 riders to win a SX race with Jett on the line in 2025....
Yeah, GTFO with retirement talk. He's still fast, is a class act, and is enjoying racing. I don't care if he doesn't win another race, the sport is better with him on the line.
I’m not saying it’s all about the money but it’s certainly part of the conversation.
will be interesting for sure. Jordan would have killed himself if he KNEW he was going to walk out on the court every night and NOT win. JL is an alien, and ET (and the rest of the world) knows it. So long as he's healthy, everyone is pretty much racing for 2nd. Just wonder if a guy like ET can swallow that and still have fun with the occasional win? Or will it eat him up, he pushes too hard, and yard sales to end his career? I sure hope not.
Good bench racing here.
Yessir. You can check my posts Saturday night after qualifying about Eli. They weren't positive. He sure shut me the hell up yesterday. Eli will never beat a still improving Jett Lawrence straight up for a title at this point. But outside out Jett, I will argue for Eli being the best of the rest in sx. Chase? Head case. Hunter? I still need to see him beat Eli indoors. Like Jett, he's a better mx rider. He didn't have Eli's speed the '25 sx races they did together. Webb? We know Eli is faster than Coop. So one guy in the world, in my opinion, is a superior sx rider and Eli should retire? Outdoors is a tougher road. I believe both Lawrence's have him covered. But I think sx is what he really cares about now anyways. Chasing that '23 title that fate ripped from him
There are riders I put in a certain category.
Tomac, Webb, Hampshire, Jmart etc.
They got that dog in them.
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