Roczen dominant in 2022 Supercross season-opener

By Anthony Caruso III | Publisher

Justin Barcia was trying to win his fourth straight season-opening event in Anaheim. He did get on the podium.

But it was a dominant performance by Ken Roczen, who won Round 1 of the 2022 Supercross season at Angels Stadium. This is Roczen’s fifth win in Anaheim.

Also, he now has 20 wins. Four of the 20 wins came in the Anaheim season-openers.

“I don’t know what to say,” Roczen said. “My December was horrendous. I didn’t expect this at all after coming here. But at the same time, we’re really focused on our starts. Everything just went right. I’m thankful for that. That shows that anything is possible.

“The track was brutal out there. Towards the end, I really wanted to keep it on two wheels. I tried to manage the gap with so many laps and time left. I didn’t have to push it like I really had to.”

Cooper Webb picked up second place. This was his fourth Anaheim podium in his career.

This was Webb’s best finish in a season-opener.

Barcia finished third.

“It was a dog fight tonight,” Webb said. “It was a really tough race. The track was super rough. I didn’t get the greatest start but I had to put my head down and make some passes. I felt good and I rode well. I’m pumped to come out with a second. This is the best I’ve ever done for an opener.”