Challenging night for Team Honda HRC at Indianapolis Supercross
By Team TMX on 18th Mar 19
Round 11 of the AMA Supercross series at Indianapoliss Lucas Oil Stadium left something to be desired for Team Honda HRC, as Ken Roczen finished eighth for the second weekend in a row, while team-mate Cole Seely was 12th.
Throughout the day, Roczen struggled to find his momentum. In the main event, the German got off to an unexceptional start, taking the green flag in eighth. He attempted to make his way forward but was unable to do so and maintained that position throughout the entire 20-minute-plus-one-lap race.
Seely started in 14th and worked his way into 11th midway through the race, but was passed on the final lap.
Ken Roczen: "There isnt much to say about Indianapolis. It just wasnt a good weekend for us. I had some struggles during the week and over the past couple of weeks that have really held me back and have made it so I cant ride and train to my full potential.
"Im trying to figure out whats going on and hopefully get some answers soon. Ive just been getting tired and Im not sure why. Right now Im just trying to focus on getting my body and everything aligned so that I can fight back and ride like I was during the beginning of the season. Im obviously not where I want to be at eighth, but if theres a good thing to take away its that were physically healthy and heading to Seattle."
Cole Seely:"This season has been a challenge and tonight was no different. Im really frustrated. I have the speed to do it but just need to put it all together. Its definitely tough when you dont put yourself in a good position off the start, which is what happened in the main. All I can do is keeping working and building forward."
Team manager Erik Kehoe: "Our goal is to get on the podium each week and weve been falling short of that, which is tough because we know both of our guys are capable of it. Kens been consistent throughout most of the season but the last few weeks have been tough. Since he had been fighting the flu, hes had a hard time bouncing back. Cole has been struggling to find his confidence this year. He has the skill and talent but I think he really just needs to believe in himself."
Ken Roczen's mechanic Oscar Wirdeman: "Tonight was kind of tough to watch. Im not sure what happened, but there wasnt a lot of progression throughout the race obviously, as Kenny started and finished in basically the same position. Bike-wise, he was pretty happy and we didnt make many changes throughout the day, so that wasnt the issue. He wasnt happy so we just need to figure it out and go from there."
Cole Seely's mechanic Jordan Troxell: "I think everyone is a little frustrated because were not sure whats missing. I know Cole wants it, I know he can run up front, and hes happy with the bike, but we cant seem to get past whatever is holding him back. Hes been struggling with starts, which puts him in a bad situation from the beginning. Thats hard but hes also still building himself up mentally."
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