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The atmosphere in Glendale, Arizona was electric as the fifth round of the Monster Energy AMA Supercross Championship unfolded, coinciding with the SMX World Championship. Riders faced a challenging course inside the State Farm Stadium, featuring high-speed stretches, daunting obstacles, and a tricky sand section that tested their skills. Among the competitors, Ken Roczen emerged as the standout performer, securing his first victory of the season.
Roczen’s commanding performance
Entering the race, Ken Roczen, riding his Suzuki RM-Z450, was determined to add to his previous successes in Glendale, where he had already claimed victory three times. The gate dropped, and although he faced a slight setback, starting in third place due to a push from another competitor, Roczen swiftly maneuvered his way up into second position. Utilizing an aggressive line through the sand, he seized the lead by the fourth lap and began to build a substantial gap, ultimately finishing the race five seconds ahead of his nearest rival.
This win marked Roczen’s fourth triumph at the Glendale venue and propelled him to second place in the championship standings, just five points shy of the leader. “It feels incredible to win here in Glendale again,” Roczen shared after the race. He highlighted the importance of his team’s efforts in testing and improving his starts, which he and his crew had focused on leading into this event. “We’ve shown that we can improve, and that’s crucial in this sport,” he added.
A heartfelt dedication
Roczen’s victory was not just a personal milestone; it was also a tribute to his team manager, Larry Brooks, who is currently battling stage 2 colon cancer. “This win is for Larry,” Roczen stated on the podium, expressing his admiration for Brooks and acknowledging the emotional weight of the moment. “He’s been a huge part of our success, and even though he couldn’t be here tonight, he’s with us in spirit.”
Key performances from other Suzuki riders
While Roczen’s victory was the highlight, his teammates also displayed remarkable resilience during the race. Jason Anderson faced challenges early on, finding himself in 21st place after a first-turn mishap. However, he showcased his agility and speed, especially in the whoops section, where he recorded the fastest time, managing to climb back to finish in 11th place. “My riding got better in the main event, and although I didn’t finish where I wanted, it was an improvement,” Anderson reflected.
Similarly, Colt Nichols faced adversity when he was caught in a first-turn crash. Despite this setback, he demonstrated determination, recovering to match his best results from earlier rounds. “I’m frustrated with my position, but I’m improving every weekend,” Nichols commented, emphasizing the need for better starts in future races.
Hunter Lawrence takes the championship lead
In another thrilling segment of the Glendale event, Hunter Lawrence showcased his skill, finishing second in the 450SX main event. This result marked his fourth consecutive podium finish and allowed him to take the championship lead for the first time in his career. Lawrence’s strategic approach during the race saw him initially take the lead before Roczen passed him. “I felt strong throughout the race, but I couldn’t catch Kenny towards the end,” Lawrence admitted, reflecting on his performance.
As the championship unfolds, Lawrence finds himself five points ahead of Roczen, solidifying his position as a leading contender for the title. This development adds an exciting layer to the competition as the season progresses.
Looking ahead
With momentum building, the Suzuki team is set to face new challenges as the next round of the Supercross series heads to Lumen Field in Seattle. The riders and their team are eager to continue their strong performances and build on the successes seen in Glendale. “Our goal is to keep this momentum going and aim for more wins,” said Dustin Pipes, Principal for the Twisted Tea/H.E.P. Motorsports/Suzuki team.
As fans eagerly anticipate the upcoming races, it is clear that the battle for the championship is heating up, with both seasoned veterans and emerging talents vying for supremacy in the world of Supercross.