KEN ROCZEN EXTENDS CONTRACT WITH H.E.P. PROGRESSIVE ECSTAR SUZUKI THROUGH THE 2026 SEASON
In a move that cements a powerful union between rider and manufacturer, Ken Roczen has officially re-signed with H.E.P. Progressive Ecstar Suzuki, extending his tenure with the team through the 2026 racing season. The news was confirmed on March 21, 2025, by eplsports365 and echoed widely across the motocross world (eplsports365.com). This marks a significant step for both Roczen and Suzuki—an affirming gesture of long-term commitment and shared ambition.
A Partnership That Runs Deep
Roczen originally joined the H.E.P. Suzuki outfit in late 2022, marking a promising new chapter after previous stints with KTM and Honda (reddit.com, suzukicycles.com). The initial contract ran through 2025, during which time Roczen delivered a series of strong performances, including multiple wins and podiums in both Supercross and SuperMotocross events (vitalmx.com). His victory in Glendale and six total Supercross podiums put him firmly in championship contention—an impressive resurgence following a serious 2024 ankle injury (suzukicycles.com).
In January 2025, Roczen even claimed the 450SX points lead with the team, signaling not just recovery but dominance (reddit.com). The new multi-year extension acknowledges this upward trajectory, underscoring mutual confidence in the partnership’s future.
More Than Just a Rider Agreement
What sets this renewal apart is the expanded scope of Roczen’s role. Alongside racing commitments, he will now work directly with Suzuki’s in-house engineering team and the H.E.P. Motorsports crew to further develop the RM-Z450, particularly in preparation for its anticipated debut in the FIM MXGP motocross world championship in 2026 (livematchnews.co.uk).
Roczen stated:
“I’m incredibly proud to continue my journey with H.E.P. Suzuki. Next year, I’ll be taking on a unique role by working alongside Suzuki’s development team to prepare the RM‑Z450 for my return to MXGP racing in 2026.” (livematchnews.co.uk)
His involvement signals Suzuki’s intention to leverage Roczen’s experience and technical feedback to enhance bike performance across broader international competition.
Stability Breeds Consistency
For Roczen—now 30 and freshly naturalized as a U.S. citizen in March 2025 (en.wikipedia.org)—this extension brings notable stability at a pivotal point in his career. After a string of injuries, his return to top form in 2024 and 2025 proved his resilience. Staying with one team gives him a cohesive support network, vital for both performance and recovery.
Team Principal Dustin Pipes, who led Roczen’s signing for 2023–2025, praised him as “the ultimate professional—capable of winning any race he shows up to” (motoonline.com). Meanwhile, Suzuki Motorsports Manager Chris Wheeler reiterated the brand’s pride, calling Roczen “a unified confidence as we strive for success together” (suzukicycles.com).
️ Technical Edge and Factory Upgrades
Part of Roczen’s success has come from technical gains—such as access to a factory-grade transmission featuring a longer first gear, which has improved performance in challenging terrain (reddit.com). Fans and experts note that Roczen’s precision and feedback are fueling real development in Suzuki’s program.
Reddit user on r/supercross explained:
“Factory gearbox… helps with jumps and whoops… combined with Roczen’s setup, equals Kenny speed and consistency.” (reddit.com)
Such upgrades, once viewed as specialized perks, may now become standard as Roczen’s role expands to include bike development.
Eyeing World Championship Glory
With eyes set on the 2026 MXGP season and goals for AMA titles still firmly intact, Roczen and Suzuki have a long-term vision. Roczen remains driven by winning and his technical stewardship, while Suzuki gains in both performance and brand prestige.
Observers believe this renewed alliance—melding talent, technical refinement, and global ambition—positions both rider and manufacturer to challenge for championships across multiple platforms.
THE ROAD AHEAD
- 2025 Campaign: Full attack on Supercross and SuperMotocross, potentially with world championship aspirations.
- 2026 and Beyond: Continued Supercross/Motocross competition, coupled with the debut of the RM-Z450 in MXGP with Roczen as rider-developer—possibly taking Suzuki back to global motocross prominence.
In an unpredictable sport, Roczen’s contract extension stands out as a rare case of synchronized vision between rider and team—built on mutual respect, proven performance, and exciting future plans.
Summary: Ken Roczen has reaffirmed his loyalty to Suzuki by extending his contract through 2026. More than a racing deal, it’s a strategic partnership: Roczen takes on a developmental role for Suziki’s next-gen RM-Z450 while continuing to chase podiums and championships. Stability, technical input, and long-term planning mark a bold new chapter—for both rider and brand.
If 2026 belongs to Roczen and Suzuki, it may well emerge from this very union.
