450SMX Class Main Event: Roczen Dominates as Championship Battle Intensifies
In the latest round of the 450SMX Class, Ken Roczen of Team Honda HRC secured a commanding victory, marking his second win of the season during the 20-minute + 1 lap Main Event. The race commenced with Jorge Prado of Red Bull KTM Factory Racing notching his fifth holeshot of the year, followed closely by Roczen and Chase Sexton of Monster Energy Kawasaki, who returned from a three-race absence.
Championship leader Hunter Lawrence faced an uphill battle from deep in the top 10, while Eli Tomac, second in points, started outside the top 10. Roczen quickly overtook Prado for the lead early in the race, establishing a gap. A collision between Prado and reigning Supercross champion Cooper Webb saw both riders fall and lose significant ground.
As Roczen extended his lead, Sexton moved into second behind him. Lawrence, despite a poor start, managed to climb into contention until a crash exiting the whoops forced him to the mechanics area for repairs, costing him a lap.
Roczen’s dominance was evident as he finished 7.7 seconds ahead of Sexton, with Malcolm Stewart of Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing claiming third—his first podium of the season. Justin Cooper (Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing) and Tomac rounded out the top five. Lawrence, overcoming another fall, managed a disappointing 18th place finish.
In a significant shift for the championship standings, Tomac now leads with a four-point margin over Lawrence as the series heads into its final six races. Roczen’s victory narrows the gap further, placing him just 14 points from the championship lead, setting the stage for an intense season finale among the top three contenders.
