Ken Roczen claims overall points lead after rough and rainy racing in Philly

Ken Roczen won Round 15 of the Supercross season in Philadelphia, moving to first in overall points with two rounds remaining. (Photo of Roczen racing in last week’s race courtesy of Suzuki Cycles)

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Ken Roczen won Round 15 of the Supercross season in Philadelphia, moving to first in overall points with two rounds remaining. (Photo of Roczen racing in last week’s race courtesy of Suzuki Cycles)

The Supercross season has a new 450SX points leader.

Ken Roczen moved into first place in the overall standings after winning Saturday’s main event despite “brutal” track conditions.

Cold, rainy weather created a muddy course with deep ruts. Despite the challenge, Roczen won the race, tying Rick Johnson for ninth on the all-time Supercross 450SX wins list with 28 and claiming his fourth victory in five races.

It marked Roczen’s first time leading the overall points standings in the second half of the season.

Cortez’s Eli Tomac did not race in Philadelphia following a crash last week that caused concern for his “hip region.” Though no broken bones or major hip injuries were reported, KTM said Tomac would not compete to ensure he was fully recovered.

“Tomac has been cleared of any broken bones upon further evaluation this week, however, the two-time 450SX champion is still broadly feeling the effects of the impact at this time,” KTM said. “He is now focusing on his recovery, with the intention of potentially returning for the final rounds of Supercross …”

The main event was shortened to 17 minutes plus one lap because of the weather and began with Roczen and Hunter Lawrence separated by one point in the standings. Lawrence, the points leader entering the race, took the holeshot, followed by Cooper Webb and Roczen. Webb attempted to pass Lawrence on the opening lap but was unable to make the move stick.

Soon after, Roczen passed Webb and surged past Lawrence in one move. Webb continued to pressure Lawrence, who began to “falter” in the worsening conditions, particularly in the whoops.

Lawrence later attempted to retake the lead from Roczen, but Roczen held on. Commentators described the championship battle as a “mental match.”

“It could come down to whoever’s strongest of mind,” Will Christien said.

With 10 minutes remaining, Lawrence crashed, allowing Webb to move into second place.

Roczen won, followed by Webb in second and Lawrence in third. With the victory, Roczen became the points leader, four points ahead of Lawrence.

Heat 1 previewed the main event, with Roczen finishing first, Webb second and Lawrence third. Joey Savatgy won Heat 2, followed by Justin Barcia in second and Justin Cooper in third.

Round 16 of the Supercross season is May 2, at Mile High Stadium in Denver. Round 17, the final round, is May 9 in Salt Lake City.