Ken Roczen has responded to Jett Lawrence’s recent remarks about Americans, and the seasoned motocross veteran didn’t hold back in addressing the comments. Lawrence, the young Australian phenom, made headlines after some trash talk directed at American riders, including a comment about how foreign riders, like himself, face challenges in the sport. But Roczen, who has been in the U.S. for years, shared a different perspective on the issue, making it clear that being a foreigner in America isn’t always as easy as it may seem.
Roczen, a German rider who’s had an incredibly successful career in the AMA Supercross and Motocross series, responded thoughtfully to Lawrence’s statement. “I get it; Jett’s young, and I understand where he’s coming from, but there’s more to it than what he said,” Roczen began. “As a foreigner in America, it’s not quite easy. We’re not just here racing; we have to learn the culture, adapt to the system, and earn respect from the fans, the media, and even the other riders.”
The 29-year-old pointed out that while being a foreigner may give riders a unique perspective, it also comes with its set of challenges. “When I first came here, I was excited, but I also had to deal with a lot of things that Americans don’t always have to think about,” Roczen continued. “Things like getting used to a new country, understanding how things work here, and even dealing with the homesickness. It’s not as simple as just showing up and racing.”
Roczen’s comments come after Lawrence expressed frustration about how some American fans view foreign riders as outsiders, taking away opportunities from homegrown talent. Lawrence made it clear that, as a foreigner, he felt there was a level of disrespect towards riders like him. However, Roczen believes the issue goes deeper than just a sense of rivalry.
“At the end of the day, we’re all here because we love racing,” Roczen explained. “But being a foreigner, you have to earn your place in a different way. You’re not just representing yourself, you’re representing your country, and there’s a lot of pressure to do well. I think Jett might be frustrated with how things are being perceived, but people also have to understand that it’s a lot of hard work to make it here, regardless of where you come from.”
The German rider also emphasized that the AMA series is one of the most competitive in the world, attracting top riders from all over. For him, it’s about focusing on the race, not the nationality of the competitor next to him. “We all race for the same reasons—to be the best,” Roczen said. “Yes, Americans have a strong presence in the sport, but we all bring something valuable to the table. I don’t think nationality should be a reason to divide us. We’re all in this sport because we’re passionate about it, and we should focus on that.”
Roczen also took a moment to remind everyone that he, too, had to deal with the challenges of being an outsider when he first arrived in the U.S. “When I first came over, I was young, and I had to prove myself. And even now, as a veteran, there’s always that bit of extra pressure,” he said. “But that’s what makes this sport great. It doesn’t matter where you come from. It’s about who’s fastest, who’s working the hardest, and who’s ready to take on the challenges.”
While Jett Lawrence’s comments may have been born out of frustration or a desire to highlight the challenges foreign riders face, Roczen’s perspective offers a more nuanced view of what it’s like to compete as an international rider in one of the most competitive motocross environments in the world.
“The fans, the media, the racing—it’s all part of this bigger picture, and we can’t forget that we’re all part of this global sport,” Roczen concluded. “We’re all working together to push the sport forward, no matter where we come from.”
Roczen’s response serves as a reminder that in the world of motocross, the challenges faced by foreign riders are multifaceted. While the competition is fierce and the pressure is immense, it’s clear that respect and understanding are key for everyone involved—whether you’re an American rider or an international one like Ken Roczen or Jett Lawrence.
