In a startling late-week decision, two-time 450MX champion Ken Roczen has announced he will not return for the penultimate round of the 2025 AMA Pro Motocross Championship at the Unadilla National this Saturday in New Berlin, New York. The news comes as a surprise to fans and the paddock alike, as Roczen had been…

In a startling late-week decision, two-time 450MX champion Ken Roczen has announced he will not return for the penultimate round of the 2025 AMA Pro Motocross Championship at the Unadilla National this Saturday in New Berlin, New York. The news comes as a surprise to fans and the paddock alike, as Roczen had been just days away from lining up at one of the season’s most grueling outdoors rounds.

A Last-Minute Pull-Out

Built to challenge even the most elite riders, Unadilla’s notoriously rough, hard-packed surface was expected to be the proving ground for Roczen’s late-season comeback. He had declared his return earlier this week, intent on testing his physical readiness ahead of the upcoming SuperMotocross World Championship (SMX) Playoffs in Charlotte on September 6 (Yahoo Sports, MotoOnline.com).

However, mere days before race day, the Suzuki rider stunned the scene by announcing he’ll skip the event altogether in order to better prepare for the postseason. Officially, the decision stems from concerns over his lingering ankle injury—Roczen had not raced since the Pittsburgh round of Monster Energy AMA Supercross and had only recently begun outdoor competition .

What We Know—and What’s Left Unsure

Physical toll and health considerations: Roczen’s earlier Unadilla outing in the previous year ends in a fifth-place moto finish, followed by a second-moto retirement due to severe abdominal cramping—a visceral reminder of how unforgiving outdoor racing can be (MotoOnline.com). While fresh off his return, the toll of pushing too hard too soon may have influenced his choice.

Timing and SmX strategy: With the SMX Playoffs looming, Roczen’s camp likely weighed the benefits of racing against the risks of aggravating an injury before the multi-round championship. Skipping Unadilla may be a strategic move to guarantee peak performance come September 6 in Charlotte.

Uncertainty remains: No official update has been provided regarding Roczen’s condition or the specifics of his decision beyond a vague nod to injury concerns. His participation in upcoming rounds, including the season finale and the SMX Playoffs, remains to be confirmed.

Reactions Across the Paddock

The reaction from the motocross community ranges from empathy to disappointment.

• Fans, especially those with tickets to Unadilla, expressed understandable frustration over losing a marquee rider at the last moment. Many had hoped to see Roczen return in full throttle on the brutal New York terrain.
• Team dynamics: Progressive Insurance ECSTAR Suzuki will now need to recalibrate for the penultimate round without their star rider. Their campaign for both Pro Motocross standings and SMX positioning depends on Roczen’s ability to rebound—or alternatively, other riders stepping into prominence.

Broader Context: Roczen’s Fevered Comeback

Roczen’s story this season has been one of marshaling resilience. He kicked off his comeback at Unadilla earlier this month, delivering a solid fifth-place in the first moto but pulling off during the second with energy-draining cramps (MotoOnline.com). It was a gritty reminder of just how brutal outdoor racing can feel, even for a world-class athlete.

With the benefits of rest and focused training now on his side—and the stakes of the SMX looming—his withdrawal can be seen as a calculated, if disappointing, decision aimed at longevity and championship readiness.

What’s Next for Roczen and the Championship

• Next stop: The attention now shifts to the season finale and the upcoming SuperMotocross Playoffs. If Roczen wants to make his mark on the combined outdoor and Supercross legacy, channeling his efforts into these next races could pay off big.
• SMX implications: Riding smart could place him in a stronger position for a deep run in the playoffs. Even if he defaults on Unadilla, earning high finishes in the remaining events can still boost his championship trajectory.
• Fan expectations: Those hoping for a full tour return may need to temper expectations—but there remains hope that Roczen could re-emerge fully healthy and competitive for Charlotte and beyond.

Final Thought: Ken Roczen’s withdrawal from the Unadilla National marks a sobering reminder of how unforgiving Pro Motocross can be—and how top athletes must balance drive against durability. The move into uncertainty leaves fans asking whether “not racing” could be the smarter, more strategic path for a championship fight yet to be decided.

Would you like an expanded race-by-race outlook, or key championship scenarios based on his attendance?