HRC rider Ken Roczen will not race the upcoming Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship and will instead focus on preparing for the 2021 AMA Supercross Championship.
Roczen and his wife, Courtney, are expecting their first child in September. The time off will not only give the German rider the chance to focus on his family, but will give his body time to fully recover from the health issues that have hampered him in recent seasons, and on resetting physically and mentally, with the ultimate objective of making a championship run at the 2021 AMA Supercross series.
“Taking this shortened outdoor season off was a very difficult decision, but I’m confident it’s what’s best for me and my team in the long run,” Roczen explained. “It will be good to regroup, let my body heal, enjoy this important experience with Courtney, and build back up for 2021. I’d like to thank my team and sponsors for having my back through this, and I look forward to supporting Chase and Christian from home this summer before once again doing my job the best I possibly can.”
Brandon Wilson, American Honda’s Manager of Advertising & Motorcycle Sports said; “Of course we’re disappointed that we won’t have Ken in the pits and on the track for the upcoming outdoors season. He’s an important part of the Honda family, and it won’t be the same without him. That said, as a company and a team, we support Ken during this special time, and in his efforts to get back to full strength. We look forward to working closely with him during this period and attacking 2021 with him in top form.”
In Roczen’s place, Christian Craig will ride the factory CRF450R alongside Chase Sexton.
The delayed Pro Motocross Championship is scheduled to commence this weekend at Loretta Lynn’s Ranch. The nine-round series will conclude 10 October at Fox Raceway, Pala, California.