GRIT 304 — 450SX — 3rd — Ken Roczen

As the series progressed, Ken Roczen remained within championship contention. His output of speed, was once more displayed at the highest level for Daytona practice rounds..and from there, the established competitor believed that he could excel within 450SX Heat One. The start within heat number one was less than stellar for Roczen. However, he quickly worked his way forward from the latter stages of single digit territory into fourth place, just before the halfway point. Simultaneously, around that time, while pursuing Aaron Plessinger for third. would the KTM rider make a mistake at the beginning of the deepest sand section - thus, the German athlete would propel his way into the bronze medal slot! From there, he would do his best to try and track-down Cooper Webb, though the Yamaha rider was seemingly solidified in second, from that point onward. With a valiant effort.

Ken continued to keep the bigger picture in mind. He wanted to acquire a strong gate choice and remain relatively fresh for the upcoming main event. In totality, he would do both of those, and as the checkered flag waved, He would collect a final score of third while transferring to the main event. He would initially appear to be in second for the finalé, though he quickly surpassed Hunter Lawrence in a left-handed bowl turn, not long after the start.

Now first, he would maintain the pinnacle position for a significant amount of time, until the fifth lap transpired! It was then, when Ken was overtaken by KTM's Tomac, when flying through the finish line area. From there, he would do his best to keep Hunter Lawrence at bay (while the German was in second). The Australian was relentless. though Roczen's line of defense was admirable. Lap by lap, he would do his best to defend various inside lines from the red-plate holder. However, Ken was overtaken in a left handed bend, with just under six minutes left on the clock...as he would take an outside line, which was occupied by a lapped rider. Now third, he would do his best to keep a significant margin between he and Cooper Webb. Pressure was rising, but Ken knew he needed to remain in this standing to garner a significant amount of points (when examining the title picture). As the checkered flag neared, Roczen seemed to know that his gap over the North Carolina native was more than sufficient...and with the final flag being thrown in Daytona, it was Ken who collected third-place honors!