Ken Roczen Reflects on Entering Supercross Without Eli Tomac – Acknowledging Tomac’s Legacy, Injury, and Whether a Triumphant Return Could Mark His Final Supercross Chapter
As the 2025 Supercross season unfolds, one name remains notably absent from the gate: Eli Tomac. A defining force in the sport for over a decade, Tomac’s career has been a thrilling mix of dominance, resilience, and championship glory. Now, as he recovers from a devastating Achilles injury, his longtime rival and fellow veteran, Ken Roczen, has opened up about what it means to enter the competition without one of his fiercest adversaries.
Tomac’s Injury: A Career-Altering Moment
Eli Tomac’s 2023 Supercross season ended in heartbreak when he ruptured his Achilles tendon while leading the championship race. The injury was a gut-wrenching blow—not only for Tomac, who was on the verge of yet another title, but also for the sport itself. His absence in 2024 left a void in the competition, making many question whether his time at the top had come to an abrupt end.
At 32 years old, Tomac has already cemented himself as one of the all-time greats in Supercross and Motocross. With multiple AMA Supercross and Motocross championships to his name, he has achieved milestones that few in the sport can match. His explosive riding style, relentless determination, and ability to claw his way from deep in the pack to victory have made him a fan favorite and a feared competitor. However, with age and injury now playing a factor, many wonder if his return to Supercross will be his final push for one last milestone before hanging up his boots.
Ken Roczen on Competing Without Tomac
Ken Roczen, a longtime rival and respected competitor of Tomac, has spoken candidly about what it means to enter a season without Eli lining up alongside him.
“Eli has been one of the guys that has always pushed me to be better,” Roczen admitted. “We’ve had some incredible battles over the years, and not having him in the mix definitely changes things. You always want to compete against the best, and for me, Eli has been one of the toughest guys to beat.”
While Roczen acknowledges that racing moves forward regardless of who is on the track, he also understands the impact of Tomac’s presence—or lack thereof. The mental and physical challenge of going up against someone as relentless as Tomac has often been a measuring stick for Roczen’s own performance.
“Whenever Eli was behind you, you knew he was coming,” Roczen continued. “It didn’t matter if he was 10th on the first lap—he would find a way to get to the front. That’s what makes him special. You take a guy like that out of the equation, and yeah, it changes things.”
Will Tomac Return for One Last Historic Run?
Despite the uncertainty surrounding his return, Tomac has made it clear that he’s not done yet. While many expected him to quietly step away after his Achilles injury, his competitive fire still burns. Reports suggest that he is eyeing a comeback in 2025, potentially setting the stage for one final push toward another championship.
If Tomac does return, the question remains—will he use this as motivation to hit another milestone, such as tying or surpassing records set by legends like Ricky Carmichael and Jeremy McGrath? Or will this be his farewell season, a victory lap to close out one of the most successful Supercross careers in recent history?
For Roczen and the rest of the Supercross field, the possibility of Tomac returning only fuels the anticipation. “If Eli comes back, I have no doubt he’ll be just as competitive as ever,” Roczen said. “You don’t count a guy like that out. Whether it’s one last run or just to prove to himself that he still has it, he’ll be back at 100%. And if that happens, we’re all in for some great racing.”
A Rivalry That Shaped an Era
The Tomac-Roczen rivalry has been one of the most defining storylines in modern Supercross. Their battles, filled with aggressive passes, last-lap heroics, and mutual respect, have provided some of the sport’s most unforgettable moments. Now, with Tomac’s future in the balance, Roczen is left to reflect on the legacy they built together.
“There’s no doubt that Eli has pushed this sport forward,” Roczen concluded. “Whether he comes back for another season or decides he’s done, his impact is undeniable. If this is the end, then he’s leaving behind one hell of a legacy.”
With the 2025 season in full swing, the Supercross world waits with bated breath for Eli Tomac’s next move. Whether he returns to reclaim his place at the top or decides to step away, his influence on the sport—and his legendary battles with Ken Roczen—will never be forgotten.
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