In the first of his guest columns here on LIVE Motocross, Vital MX journalist Lewis Phillips will be giving us his insights and opinions throughout the year from across the pond and the world of MXGP.
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Words: Lewis Phillips Images: Suzuki Media/ Chris Ganz
Ken Roczen is still the most polarising character in the sport of motocross, despite the stiff competition from Jett Lawrence. The spectacular victory that Roczen clinched in Indianapolis just a couple of weeks ago reinforced that fact – it was discussed at length in the different corners of the globe. Suzuki’s lack of success contributed to the fanfare, of course, and added to the fascinating narrative.
Once the lights inside of Indianapolis’ Lucas Oil Stadium dimmed, an even bigger question arose. How will Ken Roczen be remembered? The harsh reality is that the end of his professional career is around the corner and it is unlikely that he will clinch that elusive Monster Energy Supercross title. Do results define the career of ’94’ or is he bigger than that crown? The no-nonsense attitude that he boasts on social media has ensured that he is just as impactful away from the racetrack as on it and it could be that that defines him.
Is that the ultimate compliment or a slap in the face to a man who has achieved so much? Roczen has won the MX2 title in the FIM Motocross World Championship, 250SX West title in the Monster Energy Supercross series and he is a two-time Pro Motocross champion to boot. That is quite the resume and one that so many riders can only dream of having, so why is it that he could be labelled a failure when it is all said and done? This could be the go-to example of how the power of expectation can drastically skew the perception of an all-time great.
When Roczen was thrust into the limelight as a Grand Prix victor in just his fifth professional race, that being the Grand Prix of Germany in 2009, most had him pegged to demolish every record in sight. Is it ludicrous to say that he was held in a higher regard than the aforementioned Lawrence? Even Jeffrey Herlings started his career in the shadows of Roczen. When someone is as acclaimed as that, fans will only accept domination. The mental toll of dealing with such pressure would break those with a lesser mindset.
Consider the fact that ’94’ has had to overcome countless injuries and illnesses that have delayed his progress, as well as ruled him out of title battles, and it is just phenomenal that he was able to conquer yet another challenge in the form of winning aboard a dated RM-Z450. It would have been easier for him to take his millions and settle for an easier time in the FIM World Supercross Championship. Less workload, less competition and more money? Few would have made the choice that Roczen did, which is a testament to the lion that lies within him.
It now seems that he is going to jump into the Pro Motocross series and engage in a gruelling test of both man and motorcycle, despite the fact that an option to defend his WSX title exists. Pro Motocross could be another taxing term. The weaknesses that the RM-Z450 has will be highlighted further under the beating sun, there is less money available and fans will continue to cast a critical eye on his results. Roczen is adamant that his story has not concluded and there is time to mark items off his extravagant to-do list.
Sure, he could add to his trophy cabinet by competing in the FIM World Supercross Championship. It would seem that meaningless titles do not mean anything to him now – he did not claw his way back from rock bottom to compete in a lesser championship. The desire to be a 450SX champion kept him going and that remains the ultimate goal. Heck, some of his interviews would indicate that he has not even given up on winning the current title. It is unlikely that will happen, but what about next year?
It has not yet been confirmed whether Roczen will compete in 2024 Monster Energy Supercross from beneath the Progressive Insurance Ecstar Suzuki tent, but it seems incredibly likely. It is seemingly an environment that he can prosper in – that was confirmed via that recent triumph – and some additional confidence will do him the world of good. Will he ever enter a term as an overwhelming favourite? No, but it is going to be impossible to ignore him until he walks away. Roczen wants to beat the very best and, if he manages it, it could open the eyes of many and remind everyone just how great he is.
