Ken Roczen has claimed his second victory of the season in a stunning performance at AT&T Stadium.
By Hayden Gregory
The RCH Soaring Eagle/Jimmy Johns/Suzuki Factory Racing rider thrilled the crowd from lap one to the chequered flag. After grabbing his first hoelshot of the year Roczen was under direct pressure from championship leader Dungey. The KTM rider moved into the lead before Roczen immediately struck back taking the lead position for the rest of the race.
As the pair battled out front Seely and Anderson were in a similar fight for third. Seely held off the pacey Husqvarna rider for the majority of the race before Anderson landed his decisive blow on lap 15.
The final few laps made for a thrilling spectacle as Dungey stalked the back wheel of Roczen. The German rider would hold strong however, defending Dungey’s every strike to claim his sixth career victory.
“It felt great to grab the holeshot tonight, I think we have more wins than we do holeshots,” said Roczen. “Ryan [Dungey] was right on us the entire race, but we stayed tough and brought home the win.”
Another consistent ride has extended Dungey’s podium streak to 23 races, the same number by which he leads Roczen in championship points.
“At the end of the race we were pushing the pace,” said Dungey. “I made a pass for the lead, but Ken got me back exactly where I passed him. To leave with good points and finish second is something to be proud of.”
Andersons third place finish keeps him in the championship hunt a further 12 points behind Roczen.
It was a difficult night for Australia’s Chad Reed who could only muster a 12th place result.
450SX Class Results
1 Ken Roczen, Clermont, Fla., Suzuki
2 Ryan Dungey, Belle Plaine, Minn., KTM
3 Jason Anderson, Rio Rancho, N.M., Husqvarna
4 Cole Seely, Sherman Oaks, Calif., Honda
5 Eli Tomac, Cortez, Colo., Kawasaki
6 Marvin Musquin, Corona, Calif., KTM
7 Davi Millsaps, Murrieta, Calif., KTM
8 Christophe Pourcel, San Antonio, Fla., Husqvarna
9 Trey Canard, Edmond, Okla., Honda
10 Jake Weimer, Wildomar, Calif., Suzuki
450SX Class Championship Standings
1 Ryan Dungey, Belle Plaine, Minn., KTM – 166
2 Ken Roczen, Clermont, Fla., Suzuki – 143
3 Jason Anderson, Rio Rancho, N.M., Husqvarna – 131
4 Cole Seely, Sherman Oaks, Calif., Honda – 121
5 Eli Tomac, Cortez, Colo., Kawasaki – 119
6 Chad Reed, Dade City, Fla., Yamaha – 112
7 Marvin Musquin, Corona, Calif., KTM – 92
8 Davi Millsaps, Murrieta, Calif., KTM – 85
9 Justin Brayton, Mint Hill, N.C., KTM – 82
10 Jake Weimer, Wildomar, Calif., Suzuki – 73
