Tomac’s bold new chapter begins with KTM debut in Vancouver

When Tomac won the Grand Prix of Canada in 2024, it was assumed to be his last trip north of the border.

No expert, fan or insider could have predicted he would return – especially with the manufacturer that’s been his fiercest rival for more than a decade. Now, for the first time, he will combine his expertise with KTM bosses Roger De Coster and Ian Harrison, as they join forces in pursuit of victory inside Vancouver’s BC Place.

New machine, new challenge

The partnership will be unveiled beneath the brightest of spotlights. Tomac will face fierce competition from another longtime rival in Ken Roczen, as well as Jason Anderson. Former teammate Justin Cooper, making his last wildcard appearance of the season, will offer a valuable benchmark to his former Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing team as well.

For Tomac, this switch represents a late-career roll of the dice. Fiercely loyal to Japanese machinery throughout his professional career, this marks his first appearance aboard an Austrian steed and with that comes an adaption to a steel frame, rather than aluminum.

There will inevitably be a period of trial and error – he is working through the initial adaption phase at home in Colorado now – which makes his appearance in Vancouver all the more intriguing.

Will Tomac find immediate comfort or discover there is more work to do?

Similar questions will be asked in the Red Bull KTM Factory Racing camp after a troublesome 2025. Will they be able to deliver the feel and performance Tomac demands in their first competitive event or have they missed the mark after those initial test sessions?

The world-famous cable clutch has already made waves – a small yet telling sign of intent from the group. It’s rare to find answers to these questions less than two weeks after a contract is announced.

It’s even rarer for such an event to unfold north of the United States, inside Canada. Vancouver’s BC Place will erupt with excitement when one of supercross’ all-time greats roars into action with KTM. 

Motorsport history awaits.