Ken Roczen on Abu Dhabi Win: “Once I Figure Out My Clickers, I Can Be Very Aggressive”

 

Ken Roczen delivered an impressive performance at the final round of the 2023 World Supercross Championship (WSX) in Abu Dhabi, clinching the overall win at the event and securing second place in the championship standings behind Eli Tomac. This victory was a significant moment for Roczen, who has been in the midst of refining his bike setup and racing approach after a season of ups and downs. In a post-race interview, Roczen opened up about his key adjustments, how he found his comfort zone on the bike, and his plans for future success.

Abu Dhabi Victory and Confidence Boost

Roczen’s triumph in Abu Dhabi was not just about securing a win in a highly competitive field, but also about his ability to push through a season of challenges and find the winning formula. “Once I figure out my clickers, I can be very aggressive,” Roczen stated, referring to his suspension settings—an essential element of any rider’s setup in motocross and supercross. The term “clickers” refers to the adjusters on a motorcycle’s suspension that fine-tune compression and rebound, allowing riders to personalize their bike’s handling based on track conditions and personal comfort.

For Roczen, this adjustment is key to unleashing his full potential on the track. As any experienced rider will tell you, suspension setup can be the difference between racing cautiously and racing with aggression. Roczen’s confidence in his ability to be more aggressive

once his suspension is dialed in indicates his belief that he’s on the verge of returning to his absolute best.

Finding His Comfort Zone

Throughout the season, Roczen faced challenges with his bike setup and comfort. After a few rough patches, he began working closely with his team to dial in the settings and make necessary adjustments. “Finding my comfort zone on the bike has been a big focus for me this season,” Roczen explained. “It’s not just about being fast; it’s about feeling confident enough to push at full throttle, especially when the stakes are high.”

Comfort on the bike is crucial for any rider, but it’s especially important for someone with Roczen’s level of skill and experience. Once he has that comfort, the results start to speak for themselves. In Abu Dhabi, Roczen was able to capitalize on his newfound confidence, leading to his victory. “The bike felt great, and I could feel the changes we made starting to pay off,” he said.

Key Changes and Mental Adjustments

Beyond the mechanical changes, Roczen has also been focused on his mental approach to racing. “It’s all about getting my mindset right,” he said. “Once I can focus and block out distractions, I know I can challenge for wins consistently.” This mental clarity, combined with a fine-tuned bike setup, allowed him to execute his aggressive riding style and showcase his speed on the track in Abu Dhabi.

Roczen also credited his team for the work they’ve done to help him find the right balance. “It’s been a process, but we’re getting closer. Every change we make, we learn something new, and that’s how we keep moving forward,” he noted.

Looking Ahead

While Roczen’s win in Abu Dhabi was a significant achievement, it was clear from his interview that he’s far from satisfied. The German rider is hungry for more success, and he believes the best is yet to come. With his second-place finish in the overall WSX championship behind Eli Tomac, Roczen has set his sights on taking the next step in 2024.

“I’m feeling good. Abu Dhabi was a great result, but I’m not done yet,” he said confidently. “Once I have everything clicking, I know I can be a consistent contender. This is just the beginning.”

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