Ken Roczen Shines Again with a Second-Place Finish at Anaheim 1 – 2026 Monster Energy AMA Supercross
Anaheim, California - The excitement of the Monster Energy AMA Supercross Championship kicked off once again at Anaheim 1, and for the second consecutive year, Ken Roczen has made his mark by securing a second-place finish in this thrilling event. Throughout the day, Roczen showcased impressive speed, ultimately qualifying third before triumphantly winning his heat race to set the stage for the main event. Starting from about the fourth position in the main race, he swiftly maneuvered his way into second place, settling in behind leader Eli Tomac. Although Roczen was able to match Tomac’s pace, he struggled to close the gap between them.
Roczen reflected on his performance, saying, "During the entire main event, which lasts 20 laps plus one, I felt like we were fluctuating just within one second of each other. I would gain a little ground, only for him to regain it immediately, and that cycle continued throughout. It was a bit frustrating because every time I got closer, I hoped to latch onto that momentum and keep pushing forward. Unfortunately, that didn’t happen."
Starting strong at the season's opening event isn't new territory for Roczen; in fact, he boasts an impressive record of four wins at this very event. However, a notable change this year is his newfound confidence and comfort aboard his motorcycle. In prior seasons, Roczen often struggled to find satisfaction with his bike, constantly searching for the ideal setup. That narrative has shifted since he began riding for Progressive Insurance Cycle Gear Suzuki.
He elaborated, "I have developed a lot of confidence in my motorcycle; it feels like it’s working exceptionally well for me. I haven’t made any adjustments to the bike for months now, and I’ve ridden it across various dirt conditions. Of course, anything can happen—like a crash or being taken by surprise—but overall, I feel intimately familiar with my bike."
When Roczen emphasizes not modifying his bike, he truly means it. "I literally haven’t made even one click adjustment since probably before Daytona," he stated. "I’m a little hesitant to change anything because I know it so well. We always have testing sessions in mind, but I often find myself thinking, ‘No, I’m just going to ride it as is.’ I’ve taken it through hard-pack, sandy, and clay terrains; it performs well in all of them. Sure, there could be areas for improvement, but I worry that changing one thing might disrupt its performance in other aspects. My riding demonstrates that this bike is more than capable of placing me on the podium."
While many fellow competitors are grappling with new bike brands, Roczen enjoys the advantage of feeling at home in all riding conditions. And when Ken Roczen is comfortable, he’s undeniably fast. If he can maintain his consistency throughout the 2026 season, fans and competitors alike should brace themselves for what’s to come for the #94.
