Roczen Earns Podium at Opening East Lites Supercross

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