Ken Roczen put his Progressive Insurance ECSTAR Suzuki RM-Z450 on the podium at round four of the 2023 Monster Energy AMA Supercross series inside Angel Stadium of Anaheim. The event was the first of three Triple Crown-format races that throw racers into three main events determining the event’s overall results.
Squad mates Shane McElrath and Kyle Chisholm earned points throughout the night on their Twisted Tea Suzuki presented by Progressive Insurance RM-Z450s; with Dilan Schwartz using the event to move up in the championship points on his Twisted Tea Suzuki presented by Progressive Insurance RM-Z250.
Brandon Sharer joined the BarX Suzuki team and delivered strong points on his first ride aboard his RM-Z250. Robbie Wageman put in fast laps throughout the night on his BarX Suzuki RM-Z250.
Ken Roczen earned a third-place finish at Anaheim 2 with impressive rides in each of the three 12-minute plus one-lap main events. Roczen battled up front and is in top form and comfortable on the Suzuki RM-Z450.
“Going into the first main event I think I had third gate pick, so that made for a really good start position,” said Roczen. “I almost grabbed a holeshot, but I was right there in second place. I had a good battle for the lead the whole way. I had a big gap to third so I kind of settled in for a second. Going into the second main event, I locked elbows with somebody at the start, but I was able to sneak around the inside for another solid start. I was riding well in second and was battling, but then I made a mistake before the finish and slid out. Luckily, I didn’t crash. I ended up third.”
“Heading into the last main event, we had a one-point separation for first between four riders. I botched the start in the last main, and I had to work my way up. After that, I pretty much was battling for fourth the whole time. I made that pass happen on the last lap. I thought I needed to make that pass to earn the podium, but I really didn’t. Still, I ended up making it happen and I finished that main in fourth and ended up on the podium overall. It’s the first podium for me in 2023 as well as the team’s first podium this season. That just shows you that hard work really pays off. It was great to see all the improvements that we’ve made and are making steps in the right direction, going 5-4-3 [so far in the 2023 races]. I’m really curious and excited to see what the future holds for us.”
