By all accounts, the rumors swirling around the motocross world are heating up—and fast. Could Ducati, the storied Italian brand best known for its road racing pedigree, be making a serious play for American motocross icon Eli Tomac? According to journalist Michael Lindsay, that possibility is no longer just a whisper in the paddock—it’s becoming a tangible reality.
If true, this move would mark a seismic shift in the motocross landscape. Ducati is already turning heads with their aggressive foray into off-road racing, and signing a rider of Tomac’s caliber would send an unmistakable message: they’re not just here to participate—they’re here to win.
Tomac’s Future: What We Know
Eli Tomac, fresh off his return from injury, is at a pivotal crossroads in his career. While still incredibly competitive, the 31-year-old isn’t just looking for a contract—he’s looking for the right *situation*. Word is, he wants a two-year deal that includes both AMA Pro Motocross and World Supercross Championship (WSX) appearances. That narrows the field significantly.
KTM could be an option—especially if Chase Sexton makes the rumored switch to Kawasaki, leaving a prime seat open. Triumph, too, is reportedly in the mix, with their new program
Ducati’s Dirt Ambitions: All In
Antonio Cairoli, nine-time world champion and current Ducati development rider, dropped a major hint at the Arco di Trento GP, stating the Ducati is *already* good enough to challenge for podiums—with the right rider onboard. That’s a bold claim for a brand new off-road platform, but it lines up with what insiders are seeing behind closed doors.
Cairoli himself will line up for select Pro Motocross rounds this summer, giving Ducati a valuable yardstick to measure their progress. And you can bet Tomac will be watching closely. If the bike proves capable at the elite level, Ducati’s pitch suddenly gets a whole lot stronger.
The Herlings Factor
Meanwhile, across the Atlantic, another legend is potentially in play: Jeffrey Herlings. The Dutchman revealed to us that his KTM contract expires at the end of 2025, and he’s already eyeing a fresh deal for 2026. Ducati would be crazy not to at least entertain the idea.
But here’s the kicker—could Ducati *really* sign both Tomac and Herlings, two of the most successful motocross racers of the modern era, at the same time? Financially and logistically, it would be an enormous undertaking. But from a branding and performance standpoint? It would be a dream team, instantly making Ducati the most talked-about name in the paddock.
The Bigger Picture
If Ducati pulls this off, it won’t just be a statement—it’ll be a declaration of war on the established order. With Triumph ramping up, Yamaha restructuring, and KTM always a threat, the MXGP and AMA scenes are more competitive than ever. The addition of Ducati—and potentially Tomac and Herlings—would turn up the volume to 11.
So, is it possible? Yes. Is it likely? That’s the million-dollar question. But one thing is certain: 2025 is shaping up to be one of the most intriguing seasons in recent memory.
Stay tuned—the silly season just got serious.
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