Ken Roczen reflects on the Ironman National as kitchen reacts with a challenge
Ken Roczen Takes a Step Back to the 250 Class: A Strategic Move or Just for Fun?
In a rare and intriguing twist in SuperMotocross, Ken Roczen, a seasoned veteran in the 450 class, is temporarily dropping down to the 250 division for one round. This move, driven by both the thrill of competition and a desire to challenge some of the sport’s rising stars, has generated significant buzz in the motocross community.
The idea for Roczen’s switch came from a spontaneous impulse, which he quickly discussed with his wife. Her enthusiastic support led him to borrow a
“You have to rev it more, but there is a proper way to run a 250,” Roczen explained ahead of the Ironman National. “I’m definitely not over-reving it. I feel like I’m right in the meat of the power, but you have to execute that well when there are 39 other guys around. I’m confident I’ll be fine with that.”
To fine-tune his performance, Roczen has been practicing alongside Levi Kitchen, who is currently contending for second place in the 250 Pro Motocross Championship. Kitchen, who has been a competitive force this season, is not overly concerned about Roczen’s ability to perform well. “He looks okay; he looks good,” Kitchen remarked. “And honestly, I don’t know why he’s worried about his starts. We did starts the other day and he got me on a couple.”
This race marks a significant shift for Roczen, who last competed on a 250 bike when many of his competitors were just children. Haiden Deegan, now a prominent figure in the 250 class, was only seven years old and riding a 50cc bike when Roczen was dominating in the 450 class. Deegan, who has admired Roczen since childhood, expressed his excitement: “I just think it’s cool I get to race Ken Roczen. I’ve looked up to him in racing since I was a kid.”
Roczen, now 30, reflects on the generational gap with a sense of nostalgia and amusement. He sees parallels between his current experience and the challenges faced by legends like Ryan Villopoto, Ryan Dungey, and James Stewart, who were once the benchmarks in the sport. “Now that I’m older and I’ve raced guys like Villopoto, Dunge, Stew, and getting to race guys who—no offense—were probably pooping in [their] diaper when I was racing these guys,” Roczen said with a laugh. “So now like stepping down and just the generation difference is pretty rad for me to see honestly.”
The young guns in the 250 class are eager to prove their mettle against a veteran like Roczen. Despite the high regard Roczen holds in the sport, the competitive spirit remains fierce. In the first practice session for the Ironman Nationals, Roczen finished third behind Deegan and Chance Hymas, with sportsbook traders giving him modest odds of +650 for the overall win.
Kitchen, who is set to compete alongside Roczen, is relishing the challenge. “It’s going to be fun,” Kitchen said. “Obviously, but I just want to whoop him as bad as I can because I see him a lot in the week and he would never live it down if I beat him.”
As Roczen steps into the 250 class, it will be a fascinating spectacle of experience versus youth, with both sides keen to make their mark. Whether this move is a one-off or a glimpse into a new chapter for Roczen, it undoubtedly adds a fresh dynamic to the SuperMotocross series.
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