Motocross
Ken Roczen on his first 450 Supercross win
We speak to Red Bull KTM’s newest 450 rider after he delivers at Supercross opener in Anaheim.
Red Bull KTM’s Ken Roczen had quite a night at the recent 2014 AMA Supercross series opener in Anaheim, California. After defending champ Ryan Villopoto went down Roczen moved into the lead. With with the poise of a seasoned veteran, Roczen stayed calm, even under heavy pressure at times from James Stewart, and went on to win the race. We caught up with the champagne-soaked Roczen immediately after the race to get his take on his monumental achievement.
Redbull.com: That was an amazing race! Tell us what it was like out there. Ken Roczen: I grabbed a good start and kept it on two wheels behind Ryan [Villopoto] before he went down. It was a bummer that he crashed. I just tried to focus on myself and I was holding on a little tight, so I just reminded myself to relax, and it worked out amazing. I can’t believe I won this race, it’s huge. It’s crazy and I can’t believe it. I’m dedicating this win to my dad. We’ve haven’t been getting along and we haven’t talked for a long time, but he showed up at this race and it worked out great for us. I love him to death. We had a great race and ended up with the win. I just can’t believe it.
RB: What was going through your mind when Ryan Villopoto went down in front of you? KR: It was just so early in the race that my mind was empty, basically. It was cool to be leading, but after ten laps the race started feeling pretty long. I just focused on myself and my mind was empty. I actually didn’t get nervous at all. I didn’t want to make any mistakes, and I was actually pretty calm out there.
RB: What kind of pressure were you feeling when James Stewart was behind you? KR: I was holding on tight and just tried to relax. I heard him coming, but even if he would have passed me I would have tried to stay on him and maybe pass him back. I wouldn’t have given up. It’s a bummer that he and Ryan [Villopoto] went down, but it’s good for me to get the win. Hopefully it’s just one of many!
RB: Any big changes with the bike? KR: We actually rode the first two practices with the air shock and it broke so I had to go back to the spring shock for the main. I’m definitely staying with the spring shock now. It’s just the first race and I want to keep it on two wheels and keep it steady.
RB: Congrats on the win! KR: Thank you!