An Open Letter from Eli Tomac to Ken Roczen and the Entire Motocross and Supercross Community
Dear Ken,
I’ve had a lot of time to think about this, and I think it’s finally time to put into words what’s been on my mind for a while now. The highs, the lows, the struggles, and the triumphs that we, as athletes, endure aren’t always visible to the public, but they are always felt deeply. What you’ve done over the years in the sport, and especially the way you’ve handled adversity, is something that has inspired me and countless others in ways that can’t be fully captured in a race result or a press conference.
First and foremost, I want to take a moment to recognize you not just as a competitor, but as a true warrior. You’ve faced challenges that most of us could never imagine, and you’ve done it with a level of grit, passion, and humility that is unmatched. From the moment you arrived on the scene, you set the bar high. Your speed, your style, and your undeniable talent made you one of the brightest stars in this sport. But what truly sets you apart isn’t just the wins or the championships—it’s how you’ve fought back every time life threw you a curveball.
I know this sport isn’t just about the races or the titles. It’s about the hours of preparation, the sacrifices, the mental and physical battles we face. You’ve had your fair share of injury setbacks, and yet you never seemed to back down. You showed us what it means to persevere. That, in my eyes, is the mark of a true champion. There are few people who can make a comeback like you have, and to see you fighting your way back after each setback was a reminder to all of us what real determination looks like.
I also want to acknowledge the emotional toll this sport takes on us. The pressure, the expectations—not just from fans, but from ourselves. I’ve been there. We’re all in this together. We share the same love for two wheels, the same hunger for victory, and the same need to prove ourselves, both to the world and to ourselves. It’s not easy, but it’s what we’ve chosen. It’s what we love, even when it breaks us down.
Ken, I think the entire community respects not just your riding, but the way you’ve been open about your struggles. It’s easy to put on a mask and pretend everything is fine, but you’ve never shied away from the truth. Whether it’s the physical pain or the mental challenges, you’ve shown us that it’s okay to not always have it together, and that strength isn’t about being perfect—it’s about getting back up and continuing to fight, no matter how hard it gets.
Your journey has been a tough one, but your impact on this sport has been immeasurable. You’ve brought excitement, inspiration, and, more than anything, the kind of determination that drives this sport forward. And even though we’re competitors on the track, I’ve always respected the way you carry yourself off of it. You’ve set a standard for what it means to be a professional, not just in terms of riding, but in the way we interact with our fans, our teams, and each other.
To the entire Motocross and Supercross community, I want to say thank you. Thank you for supporting us through the ups and downs. You’re the reason we push ourselves harder every day, and you give us the energy to keep going when it feels like we have nothing left. The fans, the mechanics, the sponsors, the families—this sport is a community, a family, and it’s something I’m proud to be a part of.
And Ken, I know this isn’t the end of your story. It’s never just about the finish line for you or anyone in this sport. It’s about the journey, the fight, and the passion that drives us. You’ve shown the world that nothing is impossible if you’re willing to keep pushing. I have no doubt that your journey will continue to inspire, and that the best chapters are still ahead.
So, from one competitor to another, I just want to say thank you. Thank you for the battles we’ve had on the track and off of it. Thank you for pushing all of us to be better. I look forward to the day when we race together again, because I know the fire you have will never burn out.
And to the Motocross and Supercross community—keep supporting, keep believing, and keep fighting. This sport is a family, and no matter where the journey takes us, we’re all in this together.
With respect and gratitude,
Eli Tomac
