Eli Tomac will miss upcoming AMA Pro Motocross rounds after suffering neck injuries in a first-moto crash at the season opener at Fox Raceway, Red Bull KTM said. On the opening lap he collided with Garrett Marchbanks of Monster Energy Kawasaki; Tomac was stretchered from the track in a neck brace, removed on a medical cart and scored zero points in both motos.
Scans and follow-up evaluation showed a hyperextended anterior longitudinal ligament and a partial tear of the left sternocleidomastoid muscle. Team medical staff said surgery is not expected and advised rest and compliance with his doctor’s orders; he has not been given a firm timeline for a comeback.
Red Bull KTM described the move as a short-term, precautionary withdrawal in one release; in a separate statement the team said he would miss the remainder of the season. He sat 41st in 450MX points after Fox Raceway while remaining fifth in the combined SuperMotocross (SMX) standings.
Tomac said he was “really bummed” to be sidelined, intends to return aboard his KTM 450 SX-F FACTORY EDITION once fully fit, and Red Bull KTM said it will keep him on the roster while he recovers.
More