Southern California, Hollywood specifically, has long been known as a destination for those who make movies come to life. Hollywood tough guys like Clint Eastwood, Robert DeNiro, Steve McQueen and John Wayne all made their names on the silver screen. Movies like “Dirty Harry,” “Goodfellas,” “Bullitt” and “The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance” define their collective identities to this day.
But, Southern California has also become the de facto home of the professional motocross industry and the names on marquee are tough guys who make their living on two wheels and don’t have stunt doubles to mitigate the risks.
For RCH Soaring Eagle/Jimmy John’s/Suzuki Factory Racing, the tough guys are Ken Roczen and Broc Tickle. What Grauman’s Chinese Theater is to Hollywood, Glen Helen is to moto.
Last weekend, Roczen limped into Hangtown debilitated by a pre-existing back injury that cropped up during the week leading into the Lucas Oil Pro Motocross season opener. In the hours leading up to the race, the jury was still out on whether or not he would race or even worse, perhaps his entire outdoor season would be in jeopardy. But, despite being hampered by the injury, Roczen gutted it out and rallied from a 19th-place finish in the first moto to record a gritty top-five effort in the second 450 moto of the afternoon.
Initially, the team planned on evaluating Roczen’s status for the FMF Glen Helen National on a daily basis but after two solid days of practice this week, the defending Pro Motocross Champion was cleared to race this weekend. Stunt doubles? Who needs ‘em?
“My body is feeling a lot better,” offered Roczen who sits 12th in points heading in to Saturday. “I rode Tuesday and Wednesday and the back is no problem. The race last weekend should have been a couple of days later. That would have been way better for me. We got in some testing this week and I think we have a little ways to go but we’re getting better day-by-day. I’m excited to actually ride this weekend with no pain.”
Roczen made the most of his lone Glen Helen start when he notched back-to-back runner-up finishes last May, finishing second overall and setting the tone for his championship-winning rookie season.
For his role, Tickle turned in a pair of solid performances in last weekend’s season-opener at Hangtown, finishing sixth and eighth, respectively in each 450 moto and comes into Round 2 sixth in points.
While none of his previous professional starts at the San Bernadino, Calif., race course have come aboard a 450, the Holly, Mich., rider has three previous starts (MX Lites and 250) at Glen Helen to draw from.
“I’m really looking forward to Glen Helen,” explained Tickle. “I haven’t raced there since 2009 but I’ve always enjoyed it. Obviously, the track is a lot better for the National than it is during the week. We’ve been there a couple times getting ready and testing for the outdoor season and I felt good. Glen Helen is one of the more unique tracks we race on, with all the hills and the Southern California vibe. I had a good week. I just want to build off of last weekend. I saw a lot of positives at Hangtown. We just need to keep the ball rolling and take it race-by-race. I need to put my self in a situation where I can let my fitness show and show off the entire team’s hard work. Bottom line, I need to get a better start and run up front. This weekend should be fun.”
Before the pits open and the gate drops, Roczen and Tickle will meet fans and sign autographs at Chaparral Motorsports, Friday, May 22, from 6 – 7 p.m. Located just 15 minutes south of Glen Helen, Chaparral Motorsports is one of the largest motorcycle accessory and vehicle dealerships in the country. Chaparral Motorsports encompasses a 160,000 square foot footprint. Started as a family motorcycle parts business, Chaparral Motorsports has developed into a multi-line motorcycle and ATV dealer, offering Suzuki, Honda, Yamaha, Kawasaki, KTM, Can-Am, Victory, Polaris and Kymco atv, motorcycles, and utility vehicles.
The Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship returns to San Bernadino, Calif., for this weekend’s Glen Helen National. The first moto from Round 2 of the 2015 outdoor campaign will be televised live on MAVTV Sat., May 23 at 5 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time, 2 p.m. Pacific. Television coverage for the second moto will shift to NBCSN at 7 p.m. EDT. All motos can also be streamed live online through ProMotocross.com or the NBC Sports Live Extra app. NBC, NBCSN and MAVTV will combine to televise over 60 hours of racing over the course of the 12-round season.
About Me: Adam has been a race fan since the first time he went through the tunnel under the Daytona International Speedway almost 30 years ago. He has had the privilege of travelling to races all across the state of Florida (as well as one race in Ohio), watching nearly everything with a motor compete for fame and glory, as well as participating in various racing schools to get the feel of what racecar drivers go through every week. Adam has spent the last three years covering motorsports for Examiner.com., where he had the opportunity to see the racing world from behind the scenes as well as the grandstands. He invites everyone to follow him on Twitter, Facebook, and Google Plus, and looks forward to sharing his enthusiasm for all things racing with the readers of SpeedwayDigest.com.Be sure to tune in for his weekly sports talk program, Thursday Night Thunder, where he discusses the latest in motorsports news with drivers, crew members, and fans. The show takes place every Thursday at 8:00 pm EST on the Speedway Digest Radio Network.
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