Roczen powers to first title over Lawrence at SLC
SMX Insider recaps an electric Supercross 450 season finale, where Ken Roczen stepped up in a big way and capitalized on mistakes from Hunter Lawrence to win the first title of his storied career.
Video Transcript
It was all on the line here in Salt Lake City.
One race, one point separating the top two, Roczen over Hunter Lawrence.
It came down to these two guys, who have both had epic seasons, and for it to be decided here in Utah.
Once again, it was Hunter Lawrence at the start, but Roczen went with him.
Yeah, Hunter executed that start to perfection, and, and also did, Ken Roczen did as well.
But that pass right there, Ricky, that second corner pass by Ken was the championship pass.
It changed the whole dynamic of this race.
I think, it obviously put Hunter in a different spot, but it was on.
Yeah, I mean, both doing exactly what they needed to do at that pivotal time.
And you're gonna see Hunter Lawrence going off the track right there, and then I just feel like he couldn't It, it, like the emotions are probably going crazy.
Panic started to set in.
He was getting heat by the 26 and couldn't ride his race, I believe.
I think he was racing behind him and watching him, and at that state it, it unraveled, and that was game over for the championship with that move right there.
And Roczen just settled in.
He knew he had the advantage.
There were plenty of challenges that came in the form of Jorge Prado and Chase Sexton.
They were getting closer and closer to Kenny, and they ate away at his lead.
Sexton executed the move there on Prado.
That moved the Kawasaki rider to second, and then it was time to grab the lead.
Yeah, great move by Chase.
We came in talking about that.
The motivation for these other guys, like a Chase Sexton, it just showed right there.
And they knew Ken Roczen, once that Hunter Lawrence went down, they knew Ken would probably be vulnerable, and if you can get close to him, he probably wouldn't fight you.
Chase Sexton was able to make another pass and get a four in a row here at Salt Lake City.
Roczen didn't get the win.
He didn't even get on the podium, but it did not matter.
He had enough points and he had a high enough position to seal the deal.
And the moment of realization that he wins the 450 Supercross title, a dream come true.
And all of his peers, that's what counts, all of his peers.
Your brother was there to congratulate.
His family were there to congratulate and enjoy the moment of his career.
And his rival, congratulating each other on what an amazing season.
Yeah!
What's that moment like, guys?
What's that moment like?
It's like no other.
Yeah.
No, I mean, it's kind of a blur at the same time.
Yeah.
You heard him talk.
He's like, he doesn't even, he can't even think.
But I tell you what, that's the first time he picked up one of those.
Yeah, it's, it's just gonna sink in tomorrow morning when he wakes up and he has more time to reflect on it and, yeah.
Was that the podium you predicted for the season finale?
Maybe not.
Yeah.
Chase Sexton, Justin Cooper, Jorge Prado, a very interesting podium ahead of Cooper Webb.
And Ken Roczen, fifth was good enough.
How about Justin Hill?
Continues this amazing run in the last, say, half dozen races of the season.
And Hunter Lawrence, seventh wasn't enough to get him the championship in the 450 class.
Yeah, a, a tough one for Hunter, but a great year.
My, my mind is just exhausted- Yeah.
and blown, too, and I didn't do anything but sit up in the booth and hang out with you guys.
Oh, man.
Woo.
So the final tally is five wins apiece for Ken Roczen and Hunter Lawrence, and three points was all that separated them in the end.
Cooper Webb keeps his amazing run of top threes going, ahead of Eli Tomac, the injured Eli Tomac, and then Justin Cooper, a top five at the end of the season.
Lots to take away from this night.
