Ken Roczen Returns at Unadilla on RMZ-450, Ironman on RMZ-250

In a recent Instagram video, German Ken Roczen, the two-time Pro Motocross Champion riding for Progressive Insurance ECSTAR Suzuki, states that he will make his return to AMA Pro Motocross at the Unadilla National in two weeks on an RMZ-450. He then suggests that he will also compete on an RMZ-250 at the Ironman National for the final round of the series. Yes, you read that right—Roczen will be battling the sport's young bucks in the 250MX class at Ironman. You don't get to see this happen too often. How rad will that be?

After the devastating crash that broke his tib plateau, foot, and toe while he was running second at the Nashville Supercross earlier this year, Roczen has been back on the bike since June and is ready for some gate drops leading into the SuperMotocross World Championship in September, where he currently sits 12th in the standings.

The last time we saw Roczen on a 250F was at Lake Elsinore National in 2013, where he finished second overall. Where do you think he will place in 450MX at Unadilla, and how will he fare with the youngsters at Ironman in the 250MX class?

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Since then, Suzuki has published an official press release:

" Brea, CA – (July 29, 2024) – H.E.P. Motorsports’ Progressive Insurance ECSTAR Suzuki star Ken Roczen is set to return to competition in the 2024 AMA Pro Motocross Championship at Unadilla MX in New Berlin, New York on August 10th.

Roczen is currently ranked twelfth in the 2024 SuperMotocross Championship standings, and looks forward to a strong and competitive return to racing at Unadilla and more.

After being injured at the Nashville SX, Roczen has been aggressively rehabilitating and training hard. Roczen recently returned to riding motocross, with the goal of rejoining the 2024 SuperMotocross championship. He plans to race a selection of Outdoor rounds to put himself in the best position for racing in the SMX playoffs and championship final.

“It’s exciting to have Ken back racing at Unadilla. This was a much longer break than expected, but to get him some gate drops before the SMX playoffs was a huge factor in getting Ken to the races. I look forward to watching what Ken and his Suzuki RM-Z450 can do out on the race track,” said Larry Brooks, Team Manager of the Twisted Tea/H.E.P. Motorsports/Suzuki presented by Progressive Insurance team.

“Suzuki is eager to see Ken back on his Suzuki RM-Z, preparing to showcase his talent and determination,” said Chris Wheeler, Suzuki Motorsports Manager. “Ken's return brings a renewed energy and optimism to our team, and we can't wait to see him compete at the highest level once again beginning with Unadilla.”

Suzuki joins H.E.P. Motorsports, and the entire RM Army in looking forward to Roczen rejoining the series, and to witnessing his technical, aggressive racing style once again."