In a dramatic turn of events at Anaheim 2, Ken Roczen has reclaimed the red plate for the first time since the 2022 season opener, marking a historic moment for Suzuki in Supercross competition. As the series heads to Round 4 at Glendale’s State Farm Stadium, the storylines continue to intensify in both the 450 and 250 classes.

450 Class: Suzuki’s Return to Glory

Ken Roczen’s remarkable performance at Anaheim 2 resulted in his second podium of the season and the 71st of his 450SX Class career. The significance of Roczen carrying the red plate extends beyond personal achievement – it marks the first time Suzuki has held this distinction in SMX competition since Justin Hill’s brief moment at the 2018 Western Regional Opener. The drought had been even longer in the 450SX Class, with Suzuki’s last red plate appearance dating back to 2015, creating a gap of 169 rounds.

Meanwhile, Jett Lawrence secured his first victory of 2025, bringing his career 450SX Class win total to nine. This impressive stat puts him in elite company, tying him with Jeremy McGrath and James Stewart for second-most wins in their first 20 450SX Class starts, just one behind Bob Hannah’s record of 10.

The Glendale Challenge

State Farm Stadium has been a challenging venue for championship hopefuls since its debut in 2016. Only one rider in eight previous events has managed to win at Glendale and go on to claim the 450SX Class Championship – Eli Tomac in 2022. Tomac, the most successful rider in Arizona Supercross history, will be looking to extend his record with a potential sixth win in the state.

250 Class: Youth Movement in Full Effect

The 250 class has showcased the sport’s bright future, with Haiden Deegan securing his first win of the season at Anaheim 2. The victory puts the 2024 SMX World Champion within striking distance of the points lead, just seven points behind current leader Julien Beaumer.

Beaumer, riding for KTM, has shown remarkable consistency with three straight podiums to start the season. His performance has put KTM in position for a rare achievement – the manufacturer has only won back-to-back 250SX Class titles once before, during their 2013-2015 streak.

The class has also witnessed the emergence of new talent, with Cole Davies reaching his first career podium in just his third start, and 16-year-old Drew Adams impressively scoring a top-10 finish in his 250SX Class debut.

Historical Significance

As the series heads to Glendale for the ninth time, this event marks the 31st 450SX Class round held in Arizona. The state’s rich Supercross history spans three venues: Tempe’s Sun Devil Stadium, Phoenix’s Chase Field, and now State Farm Stadium in Glendale. Each venue has contributed its own chapter to the sport’s legacy, with State Farm Stadium writing its own history since 2016.

With championship implications in both classes and history on the line, Round 4 in Glendale promises to deliver another thrilling chapter in the 2025 Supercross season.

Photo: Feld Entertainment