In a move that cements stability and ambition within one of motocross’s top teams, Progressive Insurance ECSTAR Suzuki and Ken Roczen have officially extended their partnership through the 2026 Monster Energy SuperMotocross (SMX) World Championship season. The agreement keeps Roczen within the Pipes Motorsports Group (PMG) stable, riding the RM-Z450 under the ECSTAR fuel-and-lubricants banner.
This marks Roczen’s fourth consecutive year with PMG and Suzuki, following his switch from the Honda HRC outfit in 2023. The extension not only underscores the confidence both parties share but also signals a continuing push for top results, championships, and technical development in the high-stakes world of Supercross, Motocross, and SMX.
Background & Recent Performance
Over the past three seasons, Roczen has become a cornerstone of PMG’s 450 program, helping restore Suzuki’s competitiveness in premier class racing. In the 2025 SMX season, Roczen notched a standout victory at Daytona Supercross, one of the sport’s most storied and grueling events. He also assumed the red plate (i.e. series points leader) during the early rounds of the Supercross campaign, reinforcing his ability to challenge at the front. By season’s end, Roczen had finished fourth overall in the 450SMX standings.
These achievements are especially meaningful considering Roczen’s checkered injury history and the challenges of recent seasons. His resurgence with PMG has been seen by many as a return to form. The extended contract suggests that both rider and team believe there is more to achieve together. As Roczen himself commented:
“We have built a solid foundation over the last few years … I think we have a lot up our sleeve for the 2026 season, and I am excited to continue this relationship.”
PMG’s team principal, Dustin Pipes, echoed that sentiment, noting their shared progress and desire to further elevate performance. His statement, “We want to see Ken on a yellow Suzuki motorcycle for the rest of his career,” speaks not just of confidence but also of long-term commitment.
Strategic Significance & Implications
1. Consistency & Continuity
In elite motorsports, stability is a prized commodity. By locking in Roczen through 2026, ECSTAR Suzuki and PMG avoid the disruption of annual renegotiations, rider changes, or shifting alliances. This allows them to focus full energy on performance, development, and execution.
2. Technical Development & Innovation
Roczen’s experience, feedback, and expectations can help drive upgrades to the RM-Z450 program. Whether that means suspension tuning, engine performance, electronics, aerodynamics, or ergonomics, having a committed rider over multiple seasons gives engineers a stable feedback loop.
3. Marketing, Sponsorship & Branding
The alliance with Progressive Insurance and ECSTAR gains more staying power when associated with a long-term, high-profile rider like Roczen. Consistency in rider branding boosts sponsor confidence, continuity in imagery and narrative, and overall marketing capitalization.
4. Competitive Threat
Roczen remains a legitimate threat to challenge for individual race wins, podiums, and even championship contention. His Daytona win, “wearing the red plate,” and consistent presence in the top ranks show that he can still compete with the best. For Suzuki, retaining him is a statement that the brand aims to compete—not just participate.
Looking Ahead: 2026 & Beyond
The 2026 Monster Energy SMX World Championship promises to be fiercely competitive, and Suzuki’s confirmation of Roczen is one of several key announcements shaping the grid.
Schedule & Stakes
The SMX League recently revealed a 17-round Supercross schedule running across multiple states and venues in the U.S., combined with the traditional Motocross component for the full SMX World Championship. Among the lineup are varied stadiums, Triple Crown events, and long stretches of outdoor racing. Roczen will face stiff rivalry from top-level names like Jett Lawrence, Cooper Webb, Eli Tomac, and others.
Team Structure & Teammates
Another major development: Jason Anderson, the 2018 Supercross champion, has been confirmed to join PMG and Suzuki for 2026 as Roczen’s teammate. This pairing creates a formidable 1–2 punch in the 450 class, combining Roczen’s precision and experience with Anderson’s grit, aggressiveness, and track record. The presence of two top-caliber riders should raise internal standards and push development further.
Goals & Expectations
From Suzuki’s side, the next step is clear: build on consistency and aim for championship results. As Suzuki’s Chris Wheeler (Motorsports Manager) noted, re-signing Roczen “was an easy decision” given his results and potential. For Roczen, the goals are equally ambitious: return to full health, start strong, contend for wins, and maintain peak performance across the demanding SMX calendar.
Challenges
Of course, the road ahead won’t be without obstacles. The SMX championship demands both stadium racing finesse and outdoor endurance. Injury risk, bike reliability, consistency, and adapting to diverse circuits will all be factors. Further, competing against other well-funded factory teams means margins for error will be slim. Still, the extended contract gives Roczen and the team a runway to plan, test, adapt, and refine.
Conclusion
The extension of Ken Roczen’s contract with Progressive Insurance ECSTAR Suzuki through the 2026 Monster Energy SuperMotocross season is more than just a formal renewal—it is a declaration of faith, ambition, and long-term vision. For PMG and Suzuki, retaining a world-class rider like Roczen ensures continuity, elevates technical progress, and strengthens sponsor confidence. For Roczen, it brings stability, the support of a proven program, and a platform to continue competing at the highest levels.
With the addition of Jason Anderson as a teammate, a rigorous 2026 schedule ahead, and intense competition in the 450 class, the stage is set for what could be one of the sport’s most compelling seasons yet. If Roczen and his team can marry ambition with execution, the extended contract could lead not just to victories—but to championships.
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