The 2026 Monster Energy AMA Supercross season has kicked off with a bang, and one team is stealing the spotlight in ways no one could have predicted. The Red Bull KTM Factory Racing team, bolstered by the addition of Eli Tomac and Jorge Prado, has not only met but shattered expectations. Tomac, a seasoned veteran, has already secured three wins, while Prado, a relative newcomer to supercross, has impressed with a podium finish, three heat race wins, and two fastest qualifiers. But here's where it gets controversial: can a rider like Tomac, at this stage in his career, truly adapt to a new bike—especially the steel-framed KTM—and dominate? The answer, it seems, is a resounding yes.
The real question wasn’t if Tomac could master the KTM, but how quickly he’d do it. His rapid dominance in the first two rounds silenced any doubts, but a gnarly crash in Houston raised new ones: could he handle the bike in rutted, technical tracks? Tomac answered that question emphatically in Seattle, overtaking Cooper Webb on one of the most challenging tracks of the season. Team manager Ian Harrison praised Tomac’s ability to fine-tune his bike and adapt his riding style, saying, ‘He really set up his bike well for the main event. He turned tight, shortened the track, and handled those rutted jumps flawlessly. A lot of the direction came from him tonight.’
And this is the part most people miss: Tomac’s success isn’t just about his skill—it’s about his collaboration with the team. Harrison highlighted how Tomac’s feedback and the team’s data analysis aligned perfectly, creating a winning formula. Meanwhile, Prado’s journey has been equally compelling. Despite a shoulder injury in Seattle that forced him to sit out the night show, Prado’s potential is undeniable. Harrison compared Prado’s trajectory to that of Ken Roczen, hinting at a future superstar in the making.
But let’s address the elephant in the room: Is Prado’s decision to sit out Arlington a sign of vulnerability, or a strategic move to ensure long-term success? Harrison insists there’s no major injury, but the team’s cautious approach raises questions. Are they protecting their investment, or is Prado’s transition to supercross more challenging than expected? And what does this mean for his championship aspirations?
Harrison’s reflections on both riders are glowing. ‘Eli has been absolutely amazing, way better than I thought. If you’d asked me five years ago about hiring a 33-year-old, I’d have said you’re crazy. But he’s proving me wrong.’ As for Prado, ‘He’s figuring out a lot of things. His potential is really, really high.’ These aren’t just empty compliments—they’re a testament to the team’s transformative season.
So, here’s the burning question: Can Tomac and Prado sustain this momentum, or will the pressure of the championship chase reveal cracks in their armor? And what does their success mean for the future of supercross? Let us know your thoughts in the comments—this is a conversation you won’t want to miss!
