Ken Roczen 7th in Daytona on his Progressive Insurance Ecstar Suzuki RM-Z 450

(Madera, CA, March 6th, 2023) – The iconic Daytona International Speedway never disappoints. Kicking off Daytona Bike Week, the atmosphere is unlike any other race in the series, with an extra lively crowd of spectators covering the full spectrum of motorcycle enthusiasts.

Ken Roczen led the way for the RM-Army with 7th overall in Daytona. Shane McElrath had one of his best races yet, with 13th overall on his Twisted Tea Suzuki, Presented by Progressive Insurance RM-Z 450. 250cc East Coast Rider, Marshal Weltin, continues progressing with 11th overall.

Ken Roczen #94

Excellent round for the Progressive Insurance, ECSTAR, Suzuki team. Coming into the week, the team made many positive changes to the bike. Ken gave it his all in every practice and qualifying session, resulting in the second-fastest lap time of the day. He carried that momentum into the night show with an intense heat race finishing in 2nd place. Roczen didn’t get a strong start in the Main Event and had to work his way up the field. He ended the Main Event in 7th place.

 

“We made huge improvements on the bike this week,” said Ken Roczen. “I was really excited. I had a really good practice, and got up on the board every session. I had a really good heat race, but in the main my riding was okay. I think with a better start my result could have been much better. What I’m most excited about is that I haven’t changed the bike today and was simply able to ride the track and ride my bike. Super excited to be at that point. I’m looking forward to having a good week.”

Shane McElrath #12

One of the best rounds yet for Shane McElrath. He rode a consistent heat and Main Event finishing 6th in the heat and 13th place in the main.

 

“What a day it was today,” said Shane McElrath. “we started a little bit behind in the first two practices, but I qualified really good. We made a lot of good changes to the bike. I’m happy with the team and the progress. We haven’t settled. I’m excited about it.

Kyle Chisholm #11

The team was without Kyle Chisholm for Daytona after a crash during the week sidelined him from racing. The team is hopeful to have him back for the next round.

Marshal Weltin #50

Marshal looked in top form and very comfortable on his Progressive ECSTAR Suzuki RM-Z 250, making the best of a bad start in the Main Event. Marshal had his best Daytona round and supercross result with 11th place in the 250cc class.

 

“Definitely a better day for me,” said Marshal Weltin. “Every session was progress out there. Felt very comfortable on the bike. I went into the night show feeling good. I’m happy to come away with my personal best with 11th place. It feels nice to make progress week to week.

“It was a pretty good day,” said Team Manager Larry Brooks. “We’ve been working hard on Ken Roczen’s bike and making big improvements. The result wasn’t as good as we expected because of a bad start, but sometimes that happens. Ken Roczen finished 7th in the Main Event. Shane McElrath rode much better today; his speed and riding were better. Marshal finished 11th in the 250 class, which was good for him. His start was terrible, and he had to come from behind. He outlasted the field and passed a bunch of guys at the end. We missed Kyle Chisholm today, so he couldn’t race because he crashed during the week. We think he will be back for Indy.”

 

The series heads to Indianapolis, Indiana, for the next round of the Supermotocross series. Opening ceremonies start at 4:30 PM PST. You can catch all the action live on PEACOCK TV and follow along with us on race day through our social media channels.

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