Eli Tomac Is Back: Four-Time Champion Returns at Spring Creek

Eli Tomac is officially back.

Red Bull KTM Factory Racing has confirmed that the four-time 450MX champion will return to competition at the 2026 Spring Creek National in Millville, Minnesota.

Tomac will line up aboard the No. 3 KTM 450 SX-F Factory Edition on Saturday, July 18, marking his first race since suffering a neck injury during the opening round of the Pro Motocross season.

Back After an Extended Recovery

Tomac’s outdoor campaign was interrupted on the opening lap of Moto 1 at the Fox Raceway National. Contact with Garrett Marchbanks resulted in a heavy crash that forced Tomac out of the race and ultimately sidelined him for the following rounds.

Further medical evaluation confirmed injuries to his neck that did not require surgery but demanded time away from competition to properly recover.

After weeks of rehabilitation and preparation, Tomac has now been cleared to return. His comeback immediately adds another proven race winner to an already competitive 450 Class.

Spring Creek Is Tomac Territory

There may not be a better location for Tomac to make his return.

Spring Creek MX Park has been one of the strongest tracks of his professional career. Across nine premier-class appearances in Millville, Tomac has earned seven podium finishes, three overall victories and an impressive 2.8 average finish.

The Minnesota circuit also holds an important place in Tomac’s career history. Spring Creek was the site of his first premier-class Pro Motocross overall victory in 2014.

Known for its deep soil, long hills, changing conditions and demanding layout, Spring Creek rewards fitness, momentum and commitment. Those are all qualities that have defined Tomac throughout his championship-winning career.

A Major Addition to the 450 Field

Tomac’s return comes as the 2026 Pro Motocross Championship enters the second half of the season.

Although the rounds he missed have taken him out of the immediate championship conversation, the No. 3 can still contend for race wins, disrupt the battle at the front and build valuable momentum heading toward the SuperMotocross postseason.

The biggest question will be how quickly Tomac can return to race pace after the extended layoff. Spring Creek is one of the most physically demanding stops on the schedule, and the current 450 field leaves little room for error.

But Tomac has repeatedly shown that when he is healthy and comfortable, he remains capable of challenging anyone in the sport.

Tomac Is Back

For Red Bull KTM Factory Racing, the return brings one of the most accomplished riders in modern motocross back beneath the team tent.

For the rest of the 450 Class, it means another championship-caliber rider is joining the fight.

And for motocross fans, it means the No. 3 is finally back where he belongs: behind the starting gate.

View Eli Tomac’s complete rider profile, career highlights and latest updates.

2026 Spring Creek National
Saturday, July 18, 2026
Spring Creek MX Park
Millville, Minnesota