“You Can Learn So Much but…”: Ian Harrison on Eli Tomac’s Move to Red Bull KTM

 

When **Eli Tomac** announced his surprise switch to **Red Bull KTM Factory Racing** for the 2026 season, the motocross world buzzed with excitement and curiosity. After years of dominance under the **Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing** banner—where he earned over 50 podiums and multiple championships—Tomac’s decision to trade Yamaha blue for KTM orange marked not just a team change, but a new era for one of the sport’s most complete riders.

At the heart of this transition stands **Ian Harrison**, Red Bull KTM’s experienced team manager and a man who has guided legends like Ryan Dungey and Cooper Webb to championship success. For Harrison, Tomac’s arrival isn’t just a coup for KTM—it’s a unique opportunity for growth, collaboration, and knowledge exchange between two of motocross’s sharpest minds.

“**You can learn so much from a rider like Eli,**” Harrison said when discussing the move. “He’s not just fast—he’s analytical, methodical, and experienced at a level that very few riders ever reach. Having him in the team environment raises everyone’s standards. The young riders can watch how he works, how he thinks, and how he approaches every lap, every corner. It’s inspiring.”

Harrison knows what it means to manage

champions. His career has been built on understanding the delicate balance between speed and discipline, talent and teamwork. And in Eli Tomac, he sees a rider whose maturity and focus could elevate not only the KTM brand but the entire factory program. “Eli brings a wealth of experience,” he continued. “He’s seen it all—different bikes, different teams, different eras of the sport. That perspective is invaluable. We’ll be listening to him closely as we continue to develop the bike and the program.”

Indeed, Tomac’s move to KTM feels like the merging of two dynasties. Known for his explosive riding style and relentless pace, Tomac has already carved his name into history with championships in both **AMA Supercross** and **Pro Motocross**. Meanwhile, KTM’s recent legacy of success—with riders like Webb, Dungey, and Marvin Musquin—has established them as one of the most technically advanced and structured teams in the paddock.

For Harrison, this pairing could be magic. “Eli’s feedback is incredibly detailed,” he said. “He understands the smallest differences in suspension feel, engine delivery, traction—things that can make or break performance at the top level. That kind of insight helps our engineers push boundaries. When a rider like Eli tells you how the bike behaves under certain loads or corner speeds, you take that information and build something even better.”

Beyond the technical side, there’s also mutual respect. Tomac has often praised KTM’s racing culture—their emphasis on innovation, teamwork, and rider communication. For Harrison, that cultural fit may be the key to unlocking Tomac’s next chapter. “Eli’s not here just to collect results,” he noted. “He’s here because he loves to challenge himself. He’s still hungry. That’s what impressed us most. At this point in his career, he doesn’t *have* to race—but he *wants* to race, and he wants to win with us.”

The pairing also carries a strong message to the next generation of KTM riders. With young talents like **Maximus Vohland** and **Tom Vialle** watching closely, having Tomac in the garage brings an immediate mentorship effect. “When you see how a champion like Eli prepares,” Harrison said, “you realize that greatness isn’t about talent alone—it’s about consistency, mindset, and the willingness to keep learning. That’s what makes him so special.”

As Tomac gears up for his debut season in orange, expectations are sky-high—but for Harrison, that pressure is part of the excitement. “We know what’s possible,” he said. “Eli’s drive combined with our resources could lead to something historic. The team’s motivated, and so is he. Everyone’s ready to go to work.”

For fans, the upcoming **2026 Monster Energy SuperMotocross World Championship** can’t come soon enough. Seeing Eli Tomac—one of the most dominant riders of his generation—on a KTM machine represents not just a change in color, but a new chapter in motocross history. And if Ian Harrison’s words are any indication, both sides are ready to make the most of it.

“Working with Eli is like opening a new book,” Harrison said with a smile. “Every page, every race, there’s something to learn. And that’s what keeps this sport alive—the passion to keep getting better, no matter how much you’ve already achieved.”