Round 11 of the Monster Energy AMA Supercross Championship delivered clear skies and excellent track conditions despite heavy rains prior to the event. A rain schedule curtailed the daytime practice and qualifying program, giving the riders less time to learn the track and its obstacles. When the night racing began, the track was in excellent condition yet still developed the treacherous ruts that the riders expect from the dirt at Lumen Field.
Ken Roczen (94), still healing from a significant shoulder injury incurred two weeks prior, got off to a third-place start in the Seattle Supercross main event. Roczen charged into the lead on lap six and the Seattle crowd jumped to its feet. Shortly after the race’s midpoint, Roczen lost a few track positions but kept up a strong pace as the ruts deepened and taxed his compromised shoulder. His strong result showcased Roczen’s determination and grit, and the points from Seattle kept him and his Progressive Insurance ECSTAR Suzuki solidly in third place in the championship standings.
“Seattle was great. For whatever reason when the main event comes around I hone in and become really focused,” said Roczen. “With the injury, I don’t want to aggravate it during practice, so I have a hard time being honed in, but when race time comes it’s different. With a track like this, you need to be extremely in tune. Honestly, it was just one lap where I lost a bit. I made a bunch of mistakes when several riders were right behind me, and they went by. I am still holding my head high, but it’s hard. My shoulder needs a lot of rest. My ligaments are almost torn in the AC joint, so if I fall, I will likely make it worse. So right now I am picking my battles; I wanted to make through this weekend. I am going to keep doing what I’m doing, and hopefully we can get back to 100% before the season is over.”
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