Kit Palmer | May 21, 2016
Ken Roczen won both 450MX motos at Hangtown and there was nothing anyone could do about it. The RCH/Soaring Eagle/Jimmy John’s Suzuki Team rider dominated the opening round of the 2016 Lucas Oil AMA Pro Motocross Champion at the 48th GoPro Hangtown Classic, even though he qualified just fourth quickest (behind Eli Tomac, Trey Canard and Jason Anderson). But when it matter most, Roczen had his Suzuki pinned and led every lap of both motos. Canard and defending champ Ryan Dungey nabbed holeshots in the first and second motos, respectively, but Roczen was in the lead before each first lap was over in both motos. From then on, Roczen simply ran off with the double-moto victory, taking the checkered flag with room to spare over the Red Bull KTM rider, Dungey, both times.
Ken Roczen led every lap en route to the 450MX-class victory. Photography by Kit Palmer
Not even Dungey had anything for Roczen on this day, though he did keep him honest in the first moto, but he couldn’t keep up with him in the second moto despite making up some ground at one point late in the race; however, he was too far in back of Roczen to really mount any kind of challenge. Roczen was simply in the zone today.
Third overall went to Monster Energy Kawasaki’s Eli Tomac who appeared to be the rider to beat as they lined up for the first moto. Tomac was quickest in both qualifying sessions and many were expecting another Tomac runaway just like last year, but two terrible starts prevented that from happening. However, he did ride well and came up through the pack to go 4-4 for third overall.
Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing’s Jason Anderson had a solid start to the season, finishing fourth overall with a 6-3.
“We’re in a way better position than we were last year [when I came in hurt],” Roczen said. “That’s all behind us and now I can go out and can focus on my riding. I’m really happy with the bike. I’ve always done well at Hangtown, but today [the track] was really different. It [had notches] and was hard in certain spots. It’s nice to get the first [race] out of the way. I want to bring [my best effort] every single weekend. I played catch up last year [with the injury], so this season I have a chance to start fresh and build momentum. I’m glad I put myself in a good position, but it’s still a long year.”
Ryan Dungey had to settle for two seconds. Photography by Kit Palmer
“Overall today was really good,” Dungey said. “Two seconds is good, but when you look at both races individually we were able to close down on [Roczen’s] lead in the first moto. In the second moto he was able to get ahead of me and really [open a] gap. I started to figure out some new lines and closed in again, which is encouraging. I really was trying to adapt to the bike and find that comfort today. I don’t typically do that, but I trust everyone at KTM and know we’re where we want to be. Round 1 was good and we’re going to get better week by week.”
HRC Honda’s Trey Canard rounded out the top five with a 7-5.
Bad starts ruined Eli Tomac’s day, though he still got on the podium. Photography by Kit Palmer
It was another brutal day for the Yoshimura Suzuki Team. James Stewart was back in action and ready for a fresh start in the outdoors. He qualified eighth and was running j14th when he got pitched over the bars and landed on his shoulder, resulting in a possible dislocation. He did not finish the moto, nor did he start the second moto.
However, the team was excited about Blake Baggett’s third in the first moto, which included a pass on Tomac (who had moments early passed him) late in the race. But, in the second moto, while running near the front again, Baggett crashed and suffered a broken collarbone, though he did finish the race.
RESULTS
48th GoPro Hangtown Classic
Rancho Cordova, California
May 21, 2016
