Ken Roczen in Anaheim 2: A lot of work, little reward
Ken Roczen at Anaheim 2 Supercross. / Photo: Chase Lennemann
Anaheim 2 had it all for the HEP Suzuki team: laps in the lead, comebacks – and one of those nights where nothing goes right. While Jason Anderson set the pace at the front, Ken Roczen's race was a struggle from the start. In the end, he finished eighth. The crucial question afterward: What was wrong with Kenny?
Early contact, early fall – and everything rearranged
Roczen's evening took a turn for the worse extremely early on. There was contact right after the start, followed by a crash in lap two. This practically rewritten the race. Instead of running at the front, Roczen suddenly found himself at the very back of the field – with only one option left: damage control.
And that's exactly what he did. Starting from the very back, he worked his way through the field. Without rushing, but with a consistently strong pace. Rider after rider was overtaken until, in the end, eighth place was displayed on the board.
Not a speed problem – but a starting problem.
The important thing to remember is that Roczen wasn't slow. Quite the opposite. His lap times during the chase were absolutely competitive. The problem wasn't his rhythm, not his bike, but simply his starting position. In a field that's extremely tight at the front, early mistakes are brutally difficult to correct.
Roczen himself spoke openly about the lack of starts and his own mistake. No drama, no excuses – just a realistic assessment. More than eighth place simply wasn't possible that evening under the circumstances.
The contrast: Anderson in front, Roczen in traffic.
A direct comparison within the team shows how crucial the start was. Jason Anderson grabbed the holeshot, led for several laps, and was able to control his race. Roczen completely lacked this freedom. Two drivers, identical equipment – but completely different race outcomes.
While Anderson was able to set his own pace at the front, Roczen constantly had to react, overtake, and take risks. The fact that he still managed a top-8 result speaks more in his favor than against him.
Points saved, frustration avoided
Roczen's assessment was correspondingly sober. Sure, it wasn't the evening anyone would have wanted. But: the loss of points was limited. And that's crucial in a long season. There will be bad nights – the important thing is to get through them without a complete disaster.
The fact that Roczen pushed on to the finish despite a crash and last place shows that his effort and determination are there. What he currently lacks is a clean start to truly realize his potential.
Houston as a reset button
Supercross has one advantage: everything is wide open again next week. The next opportunity awaits in Houston – and the focus is clear: better starts, less chaos, more clear track.
Anaheim 2 was a night to forget for Ken Roczen. No form issues, no cause for concern – just an early mishap that made a better result impossible. Or to put it another way: It wasn't the speed that was lacking, but the opportunity to use it.
