In a thrilling night of racing at the iconic Daytona International Speedway, Ken Roczen of Progressive Insurance ECSTAR Suzuki captured his first-ever Daytona Supercross victory. The win marked a significant milestone for both Roczen and Suzuki, as it represented the manufacturer’s first victory at the legendary venue since 2009.

Roczen’s performance was nothing short of impressive as he charged from fourth position to take the lead just before the race’s midpoint. His strategic riding and determination helped him maintain the advantage through the challenging and rutted Daytona track.

“I honestly still can’t believe it,” an emotional Roczen said after the race. “When you make those passes, you have to put your head down or else they’ll retaliate and come back. I was charging the whole time, trying to get a gap. This is a dream come true.”

Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing’s Cooper Webb secured second place after challenging for the lead in the later laps but making a small mistake that cost him the top spot. Despite his disappointment at not winning, Webb extended his championship lead from 5 to 10 points.

“You can’t make mistakes, as many as I did, and expect to win,” Webb acknowledged. “Kenny rode great. He was charging through, got around me, made the pass stick on AP, and pulled away.”

Rounding out the podium was Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Aaron Plessinger, who led early in the race before finishing third. This marked Plessinger’s first podium of the season, a significant achievement after struggling with 22nd-place finishes earlier in the year.

In a touching moment, Plessinger dedicated his podium to a friend recently diagnosed with cancer: “I want to dedicate this to my buddy who just got diagnosed with cancer. Jessie Waters, he’s back at home watching, this one’s for you.”

The Eastern Divisional 250SX Class saw Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing’s RJ Hampshire take an emotional victory at Round 3 of the championship. Hampshire fought hard throughout the race, taking the lead from Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Tom Vialle before a red flag restart tightened the pack with under eight minutes remaining on the clock.

Hampshire’s win was particularly meaningful as he dedicated it to his late father. “It’s special. I lost my dad a few months ago and this was his race. Growing up as a kid, this is where I came with him,” Hampshire shared, visibly moved on the podium. “He was with us today. Some guy came up to me in the pits and had his old jersey that he raced with back in the day, that was something I never had. He gifted me that and it just felt different today, man, like my dad was definitely here.”

Vialle, who captured the holeshot and led the early laps, finished second, while Monster Energy Pro Circuit Kawasaki’s Seth Hammaker completed the podium after making a crucial pass late in the race.

The SMX Next series held its second round of 2025 at Daytona, with Kawasaki Team Green’s Landen Gordon repeating his victory from the season’s first event at Glendale. Teammate Enzo Temmerman secured second place despite locking handlebars with another rider at the start, while Muc-Off FXR ClubMX Yamaha’s Jesson Turner rounded out the podium.

The Monster Energy AMA Supercross series now moves to Indianapolis, with Round 9 scheduled for Saturday, March 8th, at Lucas Oil Stadium. This event will also serve as the annual Love Moto Stop Cancer race, honoring patients of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Additionally, Indianapolis will host the season’s first of three 250SX Class East/West Showdowns, bringing together racers from both divisions to compete for single-event points.

With six different winners in just eight rounds, the 2025 Supercross season continues to deliver unpredictable and exciting racing action as it works toward determining qualifiers for the SMX World Championship post-season.

Photo: Feld Entertainment