Ken Roczen delivered one of the most memorable moments of his decorated career Saturday night, clinching his first-ever Monster Energy AMA Supercross Championship title in dramatic fashion at Rice-Eccles Stadium. At 32 years old, Roczen became the oldest premier class champion in series history after surviving a winner take all finale against Hunter Lawrence.
Entering the 17th and final round of the season separated by just one point, Roczen and Lawrence lined up for a showdown in the 450SMX Class Main Event with the championship on the line. Lawrence grabbed the holeshot, but Roczen wasted no time taking control of the race, slipping past early as the crowd roared. With Roczen in command, the battle for the race win intensified behind him. Chase Sexton surged forward late, passing Prado before reeling in Roczen and taking the lead in the closing laps. Sexton went on to claim his second victory of the season and fourth consecutive Salt Lake City win.
“It was not an easy task by any means. I’ve been exhausted, physically and mentally, over these past few weeks, but I’ve dreamed of this since I was a little kid. This is just a testament of you never give up. Anybody, at any age,” said Roczen.
In the Dave Coombs Sr. 250SMX East/West Showdown, Cole Davies capped a breakout season with a statement victory over fellow champion Haiden Deegan. Deegan claimed the holeshot and led early, but Davies used his speed through the whoops to close the gap. After a fierce back-and-forth battle, Davies made an aggressive pass for the lead midway through the race. Deegan attempted to answer back, but crashed twice, ending his bid for victory. Davies rode away to earn his sixth win of the season, while Levi Kitchen finished second and Max Anstie rounded out the podium.
