Ken Roczen statement as he Suzuki Takes the Red Plate in 450SX for the First Time in Years: “A Night to Remember”

 

For the first time in what feels like ages, SuzukiCycles is proudly holding the coveted red plate in the 450SX class. The iconic red plate, awarded to the current championship points leader, has been absent from Suzuki’s bike lineup for some time, but a standout performance has shifted the momentum in their favor.

This milestone comes on the heels of a weekend at Anaheim 2 (A2), a race that has always been a bit of a mental hurdle for some riders. For one racer, it was a night of reflection and self-discovery—a chance to see how far they’ve come and what they still need to improve.

“I’m honestly learning a lot about myself,” the rider said post-race, reflecting on the challenges faced during the weekend. “A2 is always a weird one to go to for me. 2017 just subconsciously sits there.”

For this rider, A2 has been a site of past struggles, with 2017 marking a particularly memorable year that seemed to haunt their mind each time the series returned to Anaheim. But despite not feeling completely at ease throughout the day, they were able to pull things together when it mattered most.

“Wasn’t really all that comfortable all day but not terrible either,” they admitted. “The heat race was not great for me but I needed it to get me right for the main event.”

This honesty highlights the unpredictable nature of Supercross, where the pressure can build quickly, and riders are constantly

adjusting on the fly. Heat races are often more than just a qualification event; they serve as crucial moments to fine-tune strategy and mindset before heading into the big show: the main event.

And that’s exactly what happened. With a bit of grit and determination, the rider turned a tough day around, finishing in second place for the night—no small feat in a class as competitive as the 450SX.

“P2. For the night!” they celebrated, a proud moment for both themselves and their team.

Though it wasn’t a win, it was a night that became a testament to resilience and the power of overcoming obstacles. “I ended up turning it into a pretty bitchin’ night!” the rider concluded, adding a personal touch to their victory—because, in Supercross, sometimes it’s not just about crossing the finish line first, but about fighting through adversity and coming out stronger on the other side.

For SuzukiCycles, this result is more than just another podium. It marks the return of their dominance in the 450SX class, reminding everyone that they’re back in the mix and a serious contender for the title.

As the series continues, all eyes will be on the red plate, and on the rider who showed what it truly means to overcome self-doubt and rise to the occasion. The future of Suzuki in Supercross looks brighter than ever.