Ken Roczen Reflects on Racing in Tampa Without Jett Lawrence
As Ken Roczen prepares to take on Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida, he finds himself in a unique situation—lining up without one of his fiercest competitors, Jett Lawrence. The young Australian rider, who has been a dominant force in 450SX, was forced to withdraw due to injury, a situation that Roczen deeply empathizes with.
In a candid moment ahead of the race, Roczen reflected on his own past struggles, particularly his devastating injury in 2017. “I’ve been on that path before,” Roczen said. “In 2017, it felt like it was the end for me. Coming back to win in 2022 was one of the hardest things I’ve ever done.” His comeback journey has been well-documented, marked by resilience and an unwavering drive to return to the top of the sport.
Despite being a competitor, Roczen had nothing but respect for Lawrence, acknowledging the young star’s talent and the unfortunate circumstances surrounding his absence. “Jett is a good kid. What happened to him was terrible,” Roczen added. “He gave me a hard time at Glendale, and I was looking forward to another battle.” Their duel at Glendale was one of the season’s highlights, showcasing the skill and determination of both riders.
With Lawrence out, Roczen sees this as an opportunity to focus on his own performance and enjoy the race in Tampa. “I just want to enjoy my ride,” he stated, making it clear that his approach to the night’s event is centered around his love for racing rather than external pressures.
While Eli Tomac remains a dominant presence, especially in Tampa where he has won twice before, Roczen doesn’t view him as an immediate threat to his personal goals. “Eli has done well here, but what I’ve achieved in 450SMX speaks for itself.” Roczen’s confidence is undeniable, and he is prepared to make his mark on the track, regardless of who lines up beside him.
With the Monster Energy Supercross season heating up, all eyes will be on Roczen as he takes on Tampa, not just for victory, but to continue writing his legacy in the sport. Will he capitalize on Lawrence’s absence and secure a win? Fans won’t have to wait long to find out.
