Page 14 - Issue_63

KEN ROCZEN
450 SX / 3RD
IMAGE / LANNAN WORDS / MATTINGLY DESIGN / MOTOPLAYGROUND
>> The Arizona Cardinals have been through many highs and lows throughout their tenure as an NFL organization. From the likes of losing records, to contesting for Super Bowl’s, there have been a few key players each year that chip in for a solid post-season run. Kurt Warner, Larry Fitzgerald, and the newfound hope of David Johnson, establish
a sense of hope throughout the community, putting the pride of their team on their back. Ken Roczen as felt the vibe from his family, hometown, and the team in which he has been hired. They want to surround themselves with success; knowing that he is capable of bringing his ensemble to the promise land. And upon his departure for practice in Phoenix, it was though he was riding for an idea greater than himself. Looking and eye- ing fan’s throughout the crowd over the multiple triple’s, he wanted those in attendance to feel his effort through the gear in which was on him. Pushing the 450 to the brim, his rear end would dance throughout the long whoop section, followed by the right-handed bowl turn. Needing to make a few tweaks in the immediate period post-practice, he and team huddled together on the awning, tinkering as fast as they could. They seemed
to have the bike working, as his performance in the opening portion of the heat race, replicated that of a blitzkrieg. Pushing his way to the front, he would never notice the lines that were beginning to form in the crevices of the rhythm lanes, as his eyes were focused from one field goal to the other. Scrubbing the finish line with all his might, it was all he could do to withstand the pressure of Eli Tomac. He would muster the courage however, and solidify a second place finish. The main event, had the field clustered in the initial portion, as competitors were two and three wide throughout the green flag. Sit- ting solid, he knew he had to pursue the almighty carrot at the front of the pack. Begin- ning to rub paint with anyone who was near, his right boot would drag the rear brake ever so slightly, heading in to the final bowl turn. Weston Peick was in front of him in
the early going, but a diving in motion down the start straight would propel him past the Suzuki. He would begin to pivot, just past the apex of the right-hander before the finish, all the while dumping the clutch and leaping for the following triple. Wit Justin Barcia
in front, and Jason Anderson to his six, it was all he could do to keep his vision within scope of the checkered flag. And with the elements surrounding creating a whirlwind, he would hold strong, putting a final shot into the finish line takeoff; securing third overall, looking ahead to the next weekend.
14 GRITMOTO • JANUARY 28, 2018