DALLAS, Tex. – The Red Bull/KTM ride of Ken Roczen landed on the podium in his first outing this season at the opening round of the AMA East Lites Supercross Series at the Cowboy Stadium.
Roczen, who has only been back on the bike for two weeks after recovering from a pre-season wrist injury, impressed fans during the morning practice sessions earning the 2nd fastest lap time. He continued to turn heads when he lined up for the evening program in the first heat and came around the first corner in 2nd position. Within the first few corners he leaped ahead of Blake Baggett to move into the lead. He quickly pulled ahead and went on to lead every lap of the race to take the first heat win of the season.
“I felt so comfortable on the track,” remarked Roczen. “My bike was working awesome and the track was so much fun to ride. I am really looking forward to the main event.”
In the main event Roczen started inside the top ten and quickly moved toward the top five. He crossed the line in 6th place after lap one and had moved up to 4th by the second lap. He remained in 4th position behind Justin Bogle through the tenth lap when he was finally able to make the pass stick on Bogle and take over the final podium position. He rode strong the final few laps and held on to take his first podium of the season.
“It’s a great feeling to land on the podium at the first round,” remarked Roczen. “I took a little long to make my passes tonight but overall I am happy to be up here and earn some good points toward the championship.”
Next Round: Atlanta, GA – February 25, 2012
Overall Results SX Lites –
1. Justin Barcia
2. Darryn Durham
3. Ken Roczen – KTM
4. Blake Wharton
5. Phil Nicoletti
6. Malcolm Stewart – KTM
7. Jake Canada
8. PJ Larsen – KTM
9. Cole Thompson
10. Lance Vincent – KTM
11. Alex Martin
12. Hunter Hewitt
13. Austin Politelli
14. Justin Bogle
15. Blake Baggett
16. Les Smith – KTM
17. Angelo Pellegrini
18. Sean Hackley – KTM
19. Matthew Lemoine
20. Kyle Cunningham
Overall Point Standings –
1. Justin Barcia – 25
2. Darryn Durham – 22
3. Ken Roczen – 20
