It could have been compared to the “shot heard around the world” when Ken Roczen scored his first victory aboard a H.E.P. Motorsports’ Suzuki RM-Z450 during Monster Energy Supercross competition at Indianapolis’ Lucas Oil Stadium two weeks ago.
The heartfelt emotion fans often exhibit toward the longtime Supercross star let loose inside Lucas Oil Stadium as the crowd erupted for the rider of the No. 94. Roczen also had a wild celebration of his own after crossing the finish line as a parade of his fellow competitors congratulated him on the momentous win.
While a respectful, post-race handshake is not uncommon among the riders of the 450SX class, to see nearly half the field personally commend Roczen was a rare moment that illustrated the pure power of his story.
“That was actually super-freaking cool. It was riders you wouldn’t think would, but they did,” Roczen said shortly after his victory. “I think everybody knows that with me making the move to my team, getting a win was going to be tough and some of them probably thought it was never going to happen. It was such a rad moment.”
The German talent has experienced more than a few bumps in the road on his way to victory lane in Indianapolis — which was his first Supercross win in two years and Suzuki’s first win in seven years.
After persisting through two season-ending arm injuries, a fallout with Honda HRC (his previous team) and a mountain of external doubt, Roczen finally had his moment of glory.
“This night I’ve dreamed of for many, many months. It seemed so far away, especially after all of these last races. I wasn’t anywhere near the podium honestly,” Roczen said. “I have to let this settle in.”
Ken Roczen (94) is chased by Aaron Plessinger (7) in Detroit. (Feld Motor Sports, Inc. photo)
Fast-forward one week to round 10 of the series at Ford Field in Detroit, Mich., and it was happening again. Only this time, it was a tale of heartbreak for a different, but similarly-beloved rider.
Red Bull KTM’s Aaron Plessinger had his first Supercross victory in sight.
The cowboy from Ohio seemed to be home free as he clicked off laps on his No. 7 entry, leading the 22-rider field for nearly the entire race. The anticipation of fans grew as Plessinger continued his charge toward the checkered flag, but in a split second it all came crashing down.
On the penultimate lap of the race, the crowd held their breath as Plessinger caught his foot on a rut and went flying through the air. While he tried to hang on to his bike, the Red Bull KTM rider was forced to let it go as he crashed into the face of a jump.
Left with a mangled bike that was bellowing smoke, Plessinger logged a 13th-place finish.
“That one hurts, that one hurts a lot,” Plessinger said, fighting back tears during his post-race interview on the Peacock broadcast. “I was riding so good and man, I didn’t stand up in that rut the whole moto. I sat down and put my foot out. The one time I think it’s alright to stand up, it catches my foot and rips me right off the bike.”
He led 20 laps in the main event, which will still be considered his best performance since moving to the 450SX class in 2019.
To come so tantalizingly close and walk away with nothing was a tough break. And yet, the stadium fans interrupted Plessinger’s speech with their screams, holding nothing back to show their support during a moment of heartbreak.
“You know, get back up on the saddle and I’ll get back up there in Seattle,” Plessinger said, pausing to collect himself. “Don’t count me out. I’m not done yet. I’m so proud of my riding and I love these fans. I could hear them the whole way.”
Along with several other riders who tipped their hat to Plessinger and his efforts, his Red Bull KTM teammate also shared in the sentiment. “Gutted to see my boy AP go down like that. Cowboy up for Seattle,” Webb wrote on Instagram.
Altogether, Monster Energy AMA Supercross fans have been treated to an incredible two weeks of thrills and heartbreak, providing a fresh glimpse at the pure passion that keeps the sport alive.
Roczen and Plessinger will have seven more opportunities to fight their way to the front this season, starting with the March 25 round at Lumen Field in Seattle, Wash.
Keyword: Roczen & Plessinger: An Emotional Tale Of One Win And One Loss