Ken Roczen is the talk of the paddock amid swirling rumors about a colossal move to Ducati for the 2026 Supercross season. Ducati has poured major resources into developing a 450 factory program, and insiders suggest Roczen may already have a deal locked in—potentially signaling a seismic shift in Supercross’s balance of power. (dsvsports.com, Hysportblog)
Despite these whispers, Roczen’s loyalty to Suzuki remains strong. He’s publicly re‑signed for the 2025 season with Progressive Insurance Ecstar Suzuki, entering his third year aboard the familiar RM‑Z450 platform. (Vital MX, M Sports) His mindset? “I’m just trying to enjoy myself and not put on a lot of pressure.” It’s this calm, grounded approach—built on rediscovering the love of racing rather than chasing outcomes—that’s fueling his current success. (Motocross Action Magazine, MotoOnline.com)
Whether the Ducati deal is aimed for 2026 or a strategic negotiating ploy, Roczen is firmly planted with Suzuki for now—committed to smiling through the ride while keeping fans guessing.
Jorge Prado: Slamming the Rumors
Jorge Prado, the Spanish MXGP champion turned Supercross challenger, hasn’t publicly addressed any rumors on press day. Instead, his route to this moment speaks volumes. As a two-time MXGP champ (2023, 2024), Prado transitioned perfectly into AMA Supercross and AMA Motocross competition for 2025 with Monster Energy Kawasaki. (Wikipedia, Racer X)
In past reflections, he’s detailed the immense pressure of defending the MXGP crown, especially under the #1 plate, and the consistency that powered his success. (Racer X) With that confidence behind him, Prado remains focused on racing performance—not the noise off-track.
Eli Tomac: Racing, Joy, and What’s Next
At press day, the ever-honest Eli Tomac spoke more about racing happiness than career endgames. Fifteen years deep, Eli remains driven by one enduring truth: “Racing is a high‑pressure and high‑stress situation, but at the same time, you’ve got to have fun doing it.” That enjoyment, he says, is the secret to longevity. (Racer X)
Yes, 2025 may well be his final full season—as he’s said, “I love it … if I’m this competitive and in the game, I’m like, ‘Yep, sign me up again.’” (Racer X) He’s still hunting overall wins, refining form mid-season, and looking ahead toward SuperMotocross (SMX) and perhaps even representing Team USA at the Motocross of Nations. (Racer X, mxlarge.com)
During a notable weekend at High Point, Tomac captured a moto win and remarked, “It was like I just had two different days… when you get out front, how quiet the race is… just a breath of fresh air.” (MotoOnline.com, Racer X) His growing sense of balance—chasing wins while savoring the ride—is inspiring.
Press‑Day Highlights in a Nutshell
| Rider | Key Themes on Press Day |
|---|---|
| Ken Roczen | Loyal to Suzuki for 2025; rumored 2026 Ducati switch; focusing on pressure-free enjoyment. |
| Jorge Prado | Letting results speak—coming off MXGP dominance, now diving into AMA Supercross with focus. |
| Eli Tomac | Continuing to race full-time in 2026 if competitive; emphasizes fun, legacy, and performance joy. |
Final Thoughts
- Ken Roczen embraces the moment—even as speculation swirls about a power‑move to Ducati in 2026.
- Jorge Prado stays centered on execution, not hype—having proven he can conquer both GP and Supercross landscapes.
- Eli Tomac is perhaps the most candid of the trio—treating each race as a celebration and promising more if he can still win.
Press day was less about contract drama and more about mindset: riders enjoying what they do, whether out front or quietly grinding for results. It’s a refreshing reminder—even at this elite level—that passion often outshines headlines.