The reigning Monster Energy AMA Supercross 450SX Champion Ken Roczen will return to the AWM Fulfillment PMG Suzuki team for the 2027 season, putting an end to the offseason speculation surrounding his future and setting the stage for a title defense aboard the Suzuki RM-Z450. Suzuki Motor USA and Pipes Motorsports Group confirmed the extension October 29, keeping Roczen with the organization for a fifth consecutive season. Roczen will enter the 2027 SuperMotocross World Championship carrying the No. 1 championship plate for the first time in his career. The decision comes after Roczen finally captured the 450SX championship that had eluded him throughout his premier-class career. The German-born rider won five main events during the 2026 season and finished inside the top five in 14 of 17 rounds, collecting 12 podium finishes on his way to the championship.
The 2027 season will mark Roczen’s fifth consecutive year with the Pipes Motorsports Group Suzuki operation after joining the program in 2023. During that stretch, he has become the centerpiece of Suzuki’s return to championship contention, culminating with the team’s first 450SX championship since 2010.
“Ken has been an integral part of our racing efforts, and we’re pleased to continue this relationship,” said Chris Wheeler, Motorsports Manager at Suzuki Motor USA. “Ken’s elite-level performance, professionalism, and dedication have driven the success we’ve achieved together.” Pipes Motorsports Group Team Principal Dustin Pipes said the team was eager to keep Roczen in Suzuki yellow following its championship-winning season. “Coming off the high of our Supercross Championship this past season, we were eager to extend the partnership and keep him in Suzuki yellow for the foreseeable future,” Pipes said.
Roczen will make his first official title defense January 9 at Angel Stadium in Anaheim, California, when the 2027 SuperMotocross season gets underway.