MMF

Photo Credit: Feld Entertainment

Progressive Insurance ECSTAR Suzuki’s Ken Roczen took second place in Indy with (2-2-3) race scores on a soft and rutted track. Ken Roczen and Shane McElrath getting good starts made Suzuki look like they have been developing their Dirtbike models like their competitors. I wouldn’t be surprised if Suzuki sales go up because these yellow bikes are competitive against electric-start bikes. The question is, what’s really the reason behind Roczen riding this well on an inferior bike? Is the Suzuki really an inferior bike? I don’t think so based on the availability of resources their team has. Probably the only advantage of the other teams is their electric starts. But what really makes Roczen ride this well even though he is in the twilight of his prime? Here’s my opinion about it:

1. Roczen’s dad became part of the Lawrence brothers’ training program when Roczen was racing full-time in the US. That psychological setting creates a bond between them. They, in a sense, share the same roots. The success of one is the success of the other. This just gives Roczen positive motivation to ride well and strive to win because there’s no negative pressure. Take note: Roczen is also a non-American, like the Lawrence brothers, who are from Australia. They are invisible team mates in a sense against American riders who were products of the whole amateur-to-pro system of the US.
2. Riding the Suzuki brand that is supposed to be defunct just allows Roczen to have zero pressure from sponsors simply because he is an underdog. For sure, he was offered a ride from the big manufacturers, but why did he choose to ride yellow? Simply because he doesn’t want pressure at this stage of his career. So without negative pressure from the sponsors, Kenny is having fun again. 
3. Ken Roczen is just a natural talent. Without the pressure discussed above, Ken Roczen can reach his true potential. Remember Chad Reed when he was at this stage of his career and put up Two two motorsport? Kenny is in a much better position because he doesn’t have to worry about running the whole race team business, just like Reed did. He can just focus on his riding and having fun. 

The question right now is: can he still win the title over Jett? Maybe not, but he sure will be happy to rack up some more wins before the year ends and maybe catch Webb in the overall title race.