Motocross fans received some exciting news this week as Ken Roczen confirmed through Instagram that he will be lining up for the Unadilla National. In a characteristically brief and candid post, Roczen shared:

“Well, I’m gonna come race Unadilla next weekend 😃 F#% it.”*

That one short message was enough to send the motocross community buzzing. The German rider, who has been sidelined since late April, will officially make his long-awaited return to outdoor racing this weekend.

Battling Injuries Throughout Supercross

Roczen’s 2024 Monster Energy AMA Supercross season was nothing short of a rollercoaster. The #94 rider battled through persistent injuries, most notably a nagging ankle issue that plagued him for much of the year. Unfortunately, things took a turn for the worse in a mid-week practice session ahead of the final two supercross rounds. Roczen aggravated the ankle, forcing him to withdraw from the remainder of the series.

To make matters more difficult, Roczen was also dealing with shoulder problems, which added another layer of complexity to his recovery. Yet, despite competing while far from 100 percent, he still managed to produce remarkable results. In just 15 main event starts, Roczen claimed one victory—at the prestigious Daytona Supercross—and collected seven podium finishes. That kind of consistency speaks volumes about his grit and determination, even when operating below peak physical condition.

A Familiar Story: Returning at Unadilla

Interestingly, this isn’t the first time Roczen has chosen Unadilla MX as his comeback venue. Last summer, he also returned to action at the historic track after nursing injuries from supercross. That day, Roczen delivered a solid performance, finishing 7-6 for seventh overall in the 450 Class.

He wasn’t done yet, though. A couple of weeks later, he made headlines again when he hopped aboard a Suzuki RM-Z250 for the 250 Class at the Ironman Raceway season finale. Competing outside of his usual class, Roczen went 9-12 for ninth overall—a move that reminded fans of his versatility and passion for racing, regardless of the circumstances.

This weekend, however, feels different. Roczen has had more time to recover, rebuild, and prepare. And while he may not be coming into Unadilla with a full outdoor season under his belt, the German rider has a history of excelling on this particular track.

Roczen’s Success at Unadilla MX

Unadilla has been kind to Ken Roczen throughout his career. In fact, it’s one of the venues where he has consistently delivered standout performances. Roczen has claimed the overall win at Unadilla three times in the premier 450 Class—in 2016, 2019, and 2021. Those victories, combined with two additional podiums in the 250 Class, bring his tally to five podium finishes in ten total starts at this track.

That’s an impressive résumé by any standard, and it makes this return all the more intriguing. Roczen’s skillset aligns well with the unique demands of Unadilla. Known for its rough, rutted terrain and high-speed sections, the track requires both finesse and aggression. Roczen’s smooth riding style, technical precision, and ability to maintain momentum through deep ruts have historically given him an edge here.

What to Expect This Weekend

The million-dollar question heading into the Unadilla National is: Where will Ken Roczen finish?

On one hand, Roczen has the pedigree and track record to contend for top spots, even against riders who have been competing week in and week out this summer. His history at Unadilla is proof that he knows how to manage this circuit better than most. On the other hand, this will be his first Pro Motocross round of the summer, which raises questions about race fitness and endurance compared to those who have been grinding through the season.

It’s possible we could see a performance similar to last year—solid finishes inside the top 10 as he shakes off the rust. But given Roczen’s talent and ability to surprise, it wouldn’t be shocking if he finds himself battling inside the top five, or even flirting with another podium.

Why This Return Matters

Beyond the results sheet, Roczen’s decision to race this weekend carries a deeper significance. He remains one of the sport’s most popular and polarizing figures. Fans admire his resilience, honesty, and willingness to be transparent about the ups and downs of his career. His Instagram announcement—short, raw, and to the point—perfectly encapsulates the spirit of Roczen.

Every time he lines up on the gate, there’s an added level of excitement. His presence elevates the competition and injects energy into the paddock. For fans attending Unadilla or tuning in from home, Roczen’s return is a storyline that adds another layer of drama to an already thrilling Pro Motocross season.

Final Thoughts

Ken Roczen’s journey has been defined by resilience, comebacks, and flashes of brilliance in the face of adversity. This weekend’s Unadilla National is the latest chapter in that story. Whether he lands on the podium, fights inside the top 10, or simply uses the round to gauge where he’s at physically, one thing is certain: when Ken Roczen is on the track, fans are in for a show.

With three previous overall wins at Unadilla and a career full of remarkable comebacks, betting against Roczen is never a safe choice. The motocross world will be watching closely to see how the #94 fares in his return.

So, where will Ken Roczen finish this weekend? That’s anyone’s guess—but history suggests it could be something special.