In a stunning twist that’s sending shockwaves through both motocross and motorsports communities, multiple inside sources claim that Ken Roczen — the German superstar known for his dominance in Supercross — is set to leave the dirt behind for the high-speed world of IndyCar. Even more surprising? He’s reportedly inked a secret deal with none other than Red Bull Racing, marking a potential crossover that no one saw coming.
From Supercross to Street Circuits?
Roczen, 31, has long been one of the most popular figures in Supercross, known for his aggressive style, technical mastery, and fierce comebacks from career-threatening injuries. But now, after a decade of racing on knobby tires, sources say Roczen is ready to pivot to four wheels — and not just any four wheels, but a full-time seat in the IndyCar Series starting in 2026.
According to anonymous insiders close to both Red Bull and the Roczen camp, the deal has been quietly in the works for over a year. One source claimed, “Ken visited a Red Bull simulator facility last fall. At the time it looked like a brand ambassador event — but it was much more. This has been planned down to the tire compound.”
A Red Bull Wild Card
Red Bull, which has long dominated Formula 1 and maintained a competitive IndyCar presence through engine partnerships and junior driver development, is said to be crafting a “hybrid media-athlete experiment” by placing Roczen in the cockpit. If true, this could be a massive PR win for the energy drink giant and a strategic gamble to widen their motorsports reach.
While Red Bull hasn’t fielded a full factory team in IndyCar since the early 2000s, whispers suggest they’re building a new satellite outfit with heavy backing — and Roczen could be its inaugural driver. “They want someone that grabs attention across platforms,” another source said. “Ken Roczen brings a global following and a Red Bull-friendly image. It’s bold, but so was putting Travis Pastrana in NASCAR.”
Publicly, Roczen is currently sidelined from the 2025 Supercross season due to a ligament injury in his ankle. But now, fans are speculating whether the injury was a convenient exit point rather than a career interruption. Some even believe the surgery announcement was strategically timed to deflect from leaked contract details.
“It’s no coincidence,” said one fan on X (formerly Twitter). “Ken’s always been smart about his brand. If he’s going open-wheel, this was the cleanest way to do it.”
Reaction from the Paddock
As expected, the Supercross community is both shocked and skeptical. H.E.P. Motorsports, Roczen’s current team, has yet to issue a statement. Rival riders have expressed disbelief, with one anonymous factory rider commenting, “I mean, Ken’s a freak athlete. But IndyCar? That’s a different universe.”
Yet others are more optimistic. “If anyone can make the switch, it’s him,” said a former Red Bull athlete who asked to remain anonymous. “He has the discipline, the vision, and the fanbase. This could blow up in a big way.”
What Comes Next?
Official confirmation is still pending, and neither Red Bull Racing nor Roczen’s management team has responded to press inquiries. However, the rumors are gaining momentum by the hour, and many expect a formal announcement during the upcoming Red Bull Global Racing Summit in Monaco.
Until then, fans are left wondering: Has one of Supercross’s greatest champions just pulled off one of the most daring career changes in modern motorsport history?
Only time will tell.