Ken Roczen has received the Lifetime Achievement Award, recognizing his elite accomplishment and unwavering commitment to the grassroots racing community.
Born in Mattstedt, Germany, Roczen’s rise from a small family-built backyard track to global superstardom exemplifies tenacity and brilliance. Breaking through in the MX2 class in 2011, he won the FIM MX2 World Championship. Since then, he has won two AMA Motocross 450cc titles (2014, 2016), the 2013 AMA Supercross 250cc West championship, and two FIM WSX World Supercross crowns (2022, 2023), making him one of the sport’s most accomplished riders.
But Roczen’s legacy goes much beyond podiums and prizes. He has suffered career-threatening injuries, including a near-fatal crash in 2017. Nonetheless, each setback was greeted with incredible comebacks, proving his courage and motivating an entire generation of riders to never give up.
In recent years, Roczen has utilized his platform to promote diversity and inclusiveness in Supercross. His historic race triumph came while actively leading a national drive for more inclusivity, emphasizing his idea that motorsport should be accessible to all, regardless of background. He has collaborated with grassroots programs, encouraging sponsors and teams to increase participation and representation in the sport.
Furthermore, Roczen’s charitable spirit is on full display through incredible deeds of compassion. In early 2025, he donated $102 million to women’s and youth empowerment initiatives in his hometown, which included education, sports activities, mentorships, and scholarships. When Hurricane Milton ravaged his community, he donated $21.5 million to relief operations, which benefited farmers, small businesses, and infrastructure recovery. These gestures of generosity demonstrate that Roczen’s responsibilities extend well beyond the racecourse.
Roczen has constantly given back throughout his career, taking part in charity races, motivational presentations, and community clinics. Through his personal example, he has fostered diversity, mental wellness, and grassroots involvement in motocross, reminding fans that riding is more than a sport; it’s a community founded on mutual respect and shared enthusiasm.
When he received the Lifetime Achievement Award, Roczen said, “This is dedicated not only to me, but to every kid who’s ever dreamed of riding, every volunteer at the track, and every fan who supported me when I needed it the most. We will grow this sport together.”
Congratulations, Ken. Your speed and skill may be impressive on the track, but it is your compassion, courage, and community spirit that define your true legacy—and make this honor so well-deserved.