H.E.P. Motorsports Suzuki Signs Ken Roczen

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Months of testing and negotiation have led to today’s news and confirmation that Ken Roczen will compete in the 2023 AMA Supercross and Pro Motocross Championships aboard a H.E.P. Motorsports Suzuki RM-Z450. The German rider and Japanese OEM have an extensive history, going back to his mini bike days in Europe, first years on the FIM World Championship as part of the MX2 Class, and run to the AMA 450 MX title with RCH Suzuki.

Some widely-speculated details about Roczen’s move to H.E.P. Motorsports are answered in the announcement, including confirmation he’ll maintain a head-to-toe gear deal with Fox Racing, personal endorsements with Red Bull and Breitling, and title sponsorship from Progressive Insurance, not Twisted Tea.

The full press release, including quotes from Roczen, Suzuki’s Chris Wheeler, and Team Principal Dustin Pipes is posted below.

H.E.P. Motorsports is thrilled to announce that the team has signed Ken Roczen as its premier rider for the 2023 season. Former AMA motocross champion Roczen will be aboard a Suzuki RM-Z450. Roczen, who won his most recent championship on a Suzuki, will be reunited with the brand and bring his exciting style, determination, and grit back to the RM Army. Ken Roczen will compete in the upcoming 2023 Supercross and Motocross Championship series which is set to start on January 7 at Anaheim Stadium in Southern California.

“I am beyond excited to reconnect with Suzuki for the 3rd time in my career. We’ve had a lot of success in the past and I’m looking forward to seeing what we can accomplish together in our future.” said Roczen, “ I have a lot of confidence in Suzuki and the H.E.P. Motorsports program and I am excited to finally get the new year going with a fresh start. From the moment I got on the bike I felt right at home. It has been a welcome surprise how quickly I’ve adapted to the bike and the team. We will be ready to go racing come January 7th.”

A homecoming of sorts, Ken Roczen and Suzuki enjoyed much success in the past including a very successful amateur career in his native Germany on Suzuki motocross machines. Aboard the prior generation Suzuki RM-Z450 Roczen won the AMA 450 Motocross Championship in 2016. Roczen and Suzuki are determined to continue this tradition of success in 2023 on the Suzuki RM-Z450 in Supercross and Motocross competition. “

We are pleased to have Ken back on a Suzuki and part of the RM Army,” said Chris Wheeler, Motorsports Manager for Suzuki Motor USA, LLC. “ Ken’s experience, determination and incredible skill are everything we need to help Suzuki and H.E.P. Motorsports achieve the success we are all striving for in 2023.”

“Everyone is super excited to have Ken Roczen on board” said Dustin Pipes, Team Principal at H.E.P. Motorsports. “Having Ken as part of our team is sure to elevate our performance and we can’t wait to go racing at A1 in January.” H.E.P. Motorsports will debut the complete team lineup at round 1 of the 2023 Supercross Championship on January 7th, 2023 at Angel Stadium of Anaheim.