Most Likely: A Two Rider 450 Title Fight, Is Indy a Must-Win for Roczen and What is the Future For Denno?

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Welcome to another edition of Most Likely, where we (I) ramble on about topics from around the industry. Enjoy and as always, tag Weege with any complaints.

Is this a two-rider race to the title in the 450 Class?

Lots of talk on the 200 or so podcasts this week about this very topic. So I’d figured I’d put my two cents into the conversation but I know—I know—we all need another opinion on this. Hey, we all need content, right?

Anyhow, no, I do not believe this is a two-rider race to the championship— yet! In saying that, this weekend is huge for Cooper Webb and Ken Roczen (more on that very subject below).

We are entering Cooper Webb territory. Consider this: last year he won Indianapolis, finished 4th at Birmingham, and won Detroit. Guess what? Those are the next three rounds of the series. 

Let’s say for example Webb wins this weekend, finishes third in Bama and wins Detroit. That 20-point deficit quickly shrinks to within 10 or so with six rounds left. At that point, its anyones game.

Haș Webb performed up to his usual standards this far? No. Does that mean he’s out of it? Also, no. 

Supercross is a weird beast so I think anyone saying Webb is out of this is incorrect. 

Is Indy a must-win for Roczen?

I was going to address Roczen above, but figured I would here.

Yes, Indy is a must-win for Kenny if he wants to stay in this title fight. Like Webb he’s 20-points back of Hunter and really needs to string together some good results—starting this weekend. 

Can he win again this weekend? Sure, he’s been really good here but needs to finish the race strong. If he wins, he’s right in the chase. If he finishes fourth or worst, I think that may put him in too far of a hole that he can’t climb out of. 

What does Triumph do with Deacon Denno?

If you are Triumph, it is going to be hard to keep Denno off your Pro Motocross roster. While the initial announcement this off-season pointed to Denno turning pro in 2027, it probably isn’t worth sending him to Loretta’s again this year. I foresee Denno on the line at the Pro Motocross opener at Fox Raceway in May. 

Photos: octopi.media

Written by Slaw

Just a dog trying to find my special bun.

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