KEN ROCZEN

The German rider was extremely successful thus far throughout 2024 and had no sign(s) of slowing down as he approached the Daytona circuit. “Kickstart Kenny” as the fans called him, would be a crowd favorite as he throw countless whips across the infield amongst a myriad of practice sessions. He configured an array of lines together on the far section(s) of track that were a direct reflection of his talent on the motorcycle, and carried him into the first heat where he took the green flag in roughly, fourth place — after leading the field to the final right-handed corner (for the opening lap) but falling after tucking the front end. Now on a pursuit of the lead group with a means of taking over the field, he proceeded to overtake that of Chase Sexton, Benny Bloss, and eventually Justin Barcia, too, with a daring series of leaps and valiant speed amongst the longest rhythm lane — appearing to be in complete control of the motorcycle as he occupied the lead with a plethora of laps remaining. Roczen’s Suzuki appeared as nimble as any machine on the track as the circuit slowly began to deteriorate. Into the right-handed bowl turn before the “SX” triple nearing the finish-line, the number ninety-four could monitor the distance between he and Sexton, who was in a rather close proximity...but Roczen knew that past the halfway point and into the white flag lap would be crucial and a means of the utmost focus. He would scrub his way through the obstacles that led to the finish-line after toppling the six-minute mark, his rear wheel clawing into the once-grassy infield with tremendous velocities as the referee cued the conclusion of the race. And as all was said and done, the number ninety-four obtained the victory after defending the charge from the Illinois native, respectively. The opening sequences for the 450cc main event were extremely intense, with the hybrid Supercross/outdoor course offering an array of variables that weren’t seen in last year’s motocross championship — including the tremendous depth of the current SX roster. But Roczen wasn’t fazed by any of it, and put forth an admirable effort in the first five laps that had him equated to standing(s) of the fourth-place position, while looking to the ten-minute mark with determination. The longest rhythm lane on the track was now unrecognizable, with takeoff’s of varying lengths and heights be a catalyst for mistakes to be made — but Ken did his best to limit the miscalculations, and would defend the fourth-place standing from Honda’s Dylan Ferrandis who was continuously nipping at his rear wheel. The tandem would pace one another with slight glances to their left and right when speeding through paralleled lanes, covering various acute inside lines as a means of defense. But also drifting to the widest boundaries of racetrack when attempting to sustain as much momentum as possible. The process of shifting (both transmission and line choice) was essential when he swept through the final stages of the moto...but Ferrandis would actually work his way around for a short portion of time, before making a mistake and descending further in the running order. Also, Cooper Webb would conduct a late race charge to capitalize on Roczen’s pace in the final stages...sending Ken to fifth (just in front of Justin Cooper) to claim a well-respected fifth place standing at the end of the Daytona event.