Ken Roczen Discusses His Arm Injury, Rehab and 2018 Supercross Season

December 15, 2017

Team Honda HRC’s Roczen Talks About Injury and 2018 A1

We caught up with Team Honda HRC’s Ken Roczen to hear his thoughts on his horrific arm injury nearly a year ago, the process of recovery, and his expectations for the 2018 Monster Energy Supercross series.

Here’s are the highlights of what a confident-sounding Roczen had to say, before we watched him tear-up Honda’s new supercross test track.

– “I don’t really go into Anaheim thinking I have limitations. If I already think I have a disadvantage because of my arm, then I might as well not race. ”

– “My arm is plenty ready to race.”

– “I am going to be on the gate feeling very, very familiar. I’m going to do my thing. I’m not one bit worried.”

– “I’m coming back to Anaheim battling for wins.”

– “Going into Anaheim, I’m just going to enjoy myself. I’m really glad to be back in the spotlight and get to race again.”

– “I haven’t raced in a long time, so sure it will take some getting used to. That’s why I said whether I win or fifth or third, hey, I’m going to be walking out of there with a big smile on my face just being behind the gate and getting racing again with my team.”

– “If I win, amazing. If not, amazing, too. I’m racing. That’s absolutely most important.”

Addressing detractors:

– “You guys are silly if you don’t think I’m going to be able to win again.”

Discussing a sore shoulder from inactivity due to wearing a sling long-term:

– “Whether it’s in the gym or riding, I’m pretty much pain-free.”

– “My arm will never be the same, but I’ve adjusted it so well that I kinda ride just the way like I rode before I crashed. I’m very fortunate to be in this position.”

– “I have very small movement. So, I have to do pushups with my fists, for example. I’m very limited by the things I can do. I’m a lefty, but I can’t throw a ball. But, as long as it’s good enough for riding, I’m fine with it.”

Speaking on ergonomics changes to his 2018 Honda CRF450R:

– “The only thing we’ve work on is my left grip. It’s a little bit thicker than your standard average grip. I’m riding a pretty soft compound, too…I didn’t have to change anything with my bar position.”

– “I’m not afraid of failing. A fail would have been me not trying to comeback and jump on a bike again.”

– “All I want is I want to be happy, which I am, and healthy. We take things for granted. Sometimes you’re healthy for quite a while and you start overlooking things. Once you’re hurt you realize how shitty it is to be on the sidelines, possibly losing an arm.”

– “I have a great fiancé and a great dog, so we have plenty of time together to take the mind off of racing, which helps a lot.”

Following the interview we watched Roczen put in two sessions on his 2018 Honda CRF450R. While he wasn’t racing anyone or riding at a true race pace, he looked fully confident and ready to line up behind the gate at Anaheim 1 less than a month away.

Roczen returns to action at Anaheim Stadium on January 6, 2018. The race will be cablecast live on Fox Sports 1 at 10pm Eastern Time. You can check out the full TV schedule here.

Photography by Don Williams