PMG Unlocks Transfer Market – Roczen's Future 11

Pipes Motorsports Group has confirmed that negotiations with Ken Roczen for a fifth successive year in 'yellow' are well underway, in turn publicly kicking off SuperMotocross' transfer market for the 2027 season. Roczen is in his sixteenth Monster Energy AMA Supercross season, whilst PMG (once named HEP Motorsports) is in year nine of its existence.

SHAKINESS TO STABILITY

Roczen has spent the same amount of time in Pipes Motorsports Group colors as he did with KTM's factory effort: a concept that was inconceivable in late 2022. It's easy to forget how unsettled that period was; ClubMX, what's now known as Quad Lock Honda and a privateer Pro Circuit Kawasaki sat above PMG as his most likely options. The opportunity to test the RM-Z450 that he now adores arose at the latest possible moment.

"I was pretty scared when we had the chance to sign Ken," team manager Larry Brooks stated in year one of the partnership. "I don't think the bike was to his level at first." In order to appreciate where this association sits, it is critical to maintain perspective of where it started. Few would have entertained the idea of it being a four (and now possibly five) year union at that time.

Now, it's unthinkable that another team could have extended Roczen's career to this point.

HAMAMATSU'S HANDS ON

What PMG and Roczen have done via this success is forced attention from Suzuki's headquarters in Hamamatsu, Japan. The manner in which this partnership has exploded (six 450SX wins with twenty-seven podiums to boot) has made it near impossible for the powers that be to not acknowledge and appreciate the influence on the brand's market position.

Japanese representatives have been present at "what feels like every race" thus far, a sentiment that has left quite the impression on Roczen. "I do want to dig a little bit deeper. I want to know what we are doing. We are talking about the right things, but now we have got to go! I think there's a lot of stuff in the works. They have been very attentive."

Whilst their presence is clear at the races, and in technical elements like factory transmissions, there has not yet been official communication from Suzuki that confirms their investment (monetary or otherwise). That public commitment looms as the last puzzle piece. The same is true in Europe, where rumors continue to circulate about increased Suzuki interest.

PROJECTED TRAJECTORY

The meteoric rise of Pipes Motorsports Group – a team that once travelled to the races with an ambition to make main events – is one of SMX's most compelling narratives. It's problematic to draw a comparison in the off-road space. Butler Brothers MX's climb stands as relevant but their lone 450SX triumph pales in comparison to what PMG has achieved. 

There are parallels to what Kimi Räikkönen's MXGP team has achieved, although they have a premier class title that PMG pines for. "I feel like we are behind [our forecast for the team's trajectory to the sport's pinnacle] where we want to be," Dustin Pipes, team owner, offered. Roczen runs third in 450SX's classification, just five measly points from the red plate. This exists as PMG's best chance.

PMG'S POINT TO PROVE?

Whilst PMG pursues a 450SX title, one that'll justify the team's existence to ownership, there is another pressing matter – the team is yet to replicate Roczen's success with another athlete. '94' remains the only star to place their RM-Z450 on a premier class podium, meaning that there is just cause to query whether this elite rider has paved over some cracks with his talent.

Jason Anderson is, truthfully, the only other rider who has joined PMG with the potential to chase trophies, but personal matters cut his tenure short and did little to banish question marks (a nod to his WSX success is deserved though). It is therefore understandable that those with flexibility would question whether 'yellow' means progress for their career.