KEN ROCZEN | GRIT-212 | 450SX

KEN ROCZEN | GRIT-212 | SX 450

The much anticipated, long awaited victory on behalf of the German rider would come to fruition in Indianapolis! Suzuki's Ken Roczen would be questioned by numerous media outlets and enthusiasts of the sport in recent weeks, as they wondered if the number ninety-four would ever return to full form. But the confidence of the former outdoor champion would remain resilient and shine upon the track of Lucas Oil Stadium as qualification began in the early afternoon hours. His technical prowess would mesh extremely well with the ever-changing terrain of Indiana, with ruts being carved on every inch of raceway as he barreled to the timing and scoring sensor(s). Finalized in the runner-up position, he would then head into heat one while seeking the top step of the podium. Running strong in third (on the first lap), he would make a quick move on Adam Cianciarulo to trail on Cooper Webb prior to beginning lap three. The two were going back and forth at this point in the moto, with the Suzuki (briefly) taking reign of the field prior to embarking on the whoop section with around four minutes to go. However, it was only a few seconds later when Webb would make his way back by...motivating the ninety-four to counter, at the tail end of the whoop section! Now firmly into the lead, he would maneuver his way around the circuit while the crowd cheered a steadfast (Justin Barcia) who was climbing from third to second. The New York native was on a mission, and pushing Roczen at a pace that was slightly faster than what the Suzuki athlete could handle. Therefore with just over one minute left on the clock, Barcia would push to the inside after the largest rhythm lane on the track; slamming the door shut on Ken, while he was forced to second. Staying upon the rear wheel of Barcia from that point and onward, he would ultimately take the second-place designation while storming toward the main event. His starting sequence for the finalé was top-tier; and one that embodied perfection as he led the field around on lap number one. Immense battles were taking place behind him, but Roczen was taking advantage of a clear track while amplifying his lead to around the three-second mark. From there, each lap was checked with a flawless memo; hitting his lines throughout the circuit with perfection, and staying perfectly in-tune with a rampant chassis aboard a rugged track. He developed a solid line through the middle of the whoops, staying balanced atop the frame while also leaping over the step-on/step-off's with perfection. His intricacies (of race-craft) on this racetrack would lead to huge reward(s)...until Justin Barcia would close-in in the final stages. The number fifty-one would be approaching rapidly, and though Roczen would have trouble deciphering through the grooves while weaving through lap traffic, he remained at the pinnacle of the field. Three laps to go, two laps to go...and the crowd remained on their feet; yelling and screaming at the top of their lungs, while the battle neared a climactic point. It would come down to corners, where Barcia nearly made a charge after a subtle mistake from Ken with less than thirty-seconds to go. But the German rider would prevail, decisively taking his win when crossing the checkered flag, and ecstatic as ever on top of the podium!

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