Tomac title bid takes a major hit in Cleveland

Red Bull KTM rider ruled out after qualifying crash, dropping him to 31 points behind red plate holder Hunter Lawrence with three rounds remaining

Round 14 of the 2026 AMA Supercross Championship delivered a major blow to Eli Tomac’s title hopes, with the Red Bull KTM Factory Racing rider forced to withdraw from the Cleveland round after a crash in the opening qualifying session. With points left on the table, Tomac has now lost significant ground in the 450SX title race and sits 31 points behind red plate holder Hunter Lawrence with three rounds remaining.

Supercross made a high-profile return to Cleveland, with Huntington Bank Field hosting the 14th round of the SMX World Championship season after inclement weather persisted in the region this week.

Two-time 450SX Champion Tomac entered the weekend only 15 points out of the lead, but a heavy crash in the whoops during this morning’s Q1 session would ultimately end his night before the gate even dropped. Tomac attempted to ride in the second session, before the decision was made for him to park and undergo further medical evaluation after experiencing ongoing discomfort in his hip region.

While preliminary x-rays didn’t show any breaks, Tomac’s attempt to ride through Q2 ended quickly. The Peacock broadcast team announced just before the 450 LCQ that Tomac would be out for Saturday’s race in Cleveland. KTM confirmed Tomac’s withdrawal from the race, stating that the primary reason for his absence was hip pain. Further information will be released once available.

In the 450SX standings, the non-score is a costly one for Tomac, who now faces a steep uphill battle in the closing stretch of the season as his rivals capitalize. He remains in contention mathematically, but the margin has swung dramatically as the championship enters its final three rounds.

Jorge Prado endured a difficult Triple Crown on the soft, technical layout, beginning qualifying with the fifth-fastest time of 45.083s. Prado completed the first lap of Race 1 in fourth position before dropping back to finish P14 after experiencing vision difficulties in the challenging conditions. He went on to claim 15th in Race 2 and another P15 in the final race to place 15th overall for the round. Prado sits 10th in the 450SX standings.

Jorge Prado: “It was a rough day in Cleveland. The Triple Crown format is still new to me and the conditions were challenging also, but I gained more experience and that is what is important this year. Three to go – we will keep learning, and I’m excited for the next few races to finish the season.”

AMA 450SX STANDINGS AFTER ROUND 14

1 Hunter Lawrence (HON) – 286 points
2 Ken Roczen (SUZ) – 285 points
3 Cooper Webb (YAM) – 264 points
4 Eli Tomac (KTM) – 255 points
5 Justin Cooper (YAM) – 233 points
6 Chase Sexton (KAW) – 180 points
7 Joey Savatgy (HON) – 176 points
8 Malcolm Stewart (HUS) – 160 points
9 Justin Hill (KTM) – 148 points
10 Jorge Prado (GAS) – 147 points