Rookie Roczen Rocks
By TMX Archives on 10th Jan 14
The 2014 Monster Energy AMA Supercross season kicked off with a bang inside Anaheims Angel Stadium.A packed-out arena was filled with more than 45,000 fans, who were on hand to see how the highly-anticipated opener unravelled.
And they were not disappointed, as KTM's Ken Roczen kept his nerve to race to the 450 win in his race on the big machines.
Meanwhile, in the Western Regional 250s, Jason Anderson came out on top.
As the gate dropped for the 450 class reigning champion Ryan Villopoto got the jump and fired into the first turn to grab the Neuclear Cowboyz Holeshot award.
Behind him, Roczen battled through to sit in second with Josh Grant third.
As the race progressed, TwoTwo Motorsports' Chad Reed moved up to third with Dungey fourth.
At the front Villopoto looked comfortable until he made a mistake on lap nine, causing him to hit the dirt.
This allowed Roczen to take up the lead with Reed second and Dungey third, while Villopoto re-mounted in fifth.
Meanwhile, Suzuki's James Stewart was working his way forward, and on lap 10 was able to make a move past Dungey for third.
Stewart was on a roll, and two laps later found a line to overtake Reed.
With only Roczen ahead of him, Stewart then went after the win.
As the laps counted down, Stewart started to put the pressure on Roczen as he hung onto the KTM rider's back wheel.
However, while attempting to make a pass on the whoops, Stewart went down hard – a crash that ended his night.
With a clear track, Roczen sailed on to claim his first 450 victory in his maiden 450 race.
"This is insane,” said Roczen.
"I got off to a good start and was holding on really tight and when there were four laps to go, I realized that I could win.”
Behind him, Dungey was able to find a way past Reed on lap 16, as Villopoto rode to fourth place.
In the Western 250 class, Anderson was on fire as he blasted out of the gate to take the holeshot.
He stayed there until lap four, when Cole Seely shot by for the lead.
On the same lap Kawasaki's Dean Wilson moved into third with Zach Osborne just behind. As the race reached the half-way point, Wilson and Osbourne were playing cat and mouse, trading places and giving the fans some exciting action.
With the laps counting down Anderson was able to make a pass stick on the
second-to-last turn on the last lap, taking the flag ahead of Seely.
"The pass was risky on Seely,” said Anderson.
"I didn't want to be dirty but I had to put it in there, and I am glad it worked.
"I look forward to riding into Phoenix with the red No.1 plate.
"This is only my second career win, so it is big for me.”
Osborne was eventually able to get the better of Willson and made up the third step on the podium.
So that's the first race down.
However with an action packed 16-rounds still remaining, things are only just getting started.
The series now heads to Phoenix's Chase Field this Saturday, January 11.
