Rapid ReaXtion: Roczen and Musquin Re-Sign with KTM
Thursday, August 30, 2012 | 2:00 PM
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PrintJason Weigandt:
KTM is here, and they're here to stay. Rumor had it that Monster Energy Pro Circuit Kawasaki was looking into signing Musquin, and they really needed his talent with Dean Wilson departing for the 450s, Tickle already forced up, and the latest batch of amateur talent all locked up by other teams. A Pro Circuit offer is always a serious consideration for any rider, but Musquin chose to stay orange. Does that not speak volumes about Red Bull KTM's revamped program?
As for Roczen, no way KTM was letting him go, as despite a few missed opportunities for wins this year, he still has undeniable talent and potential. And KTM has an all-new motor for their 2013 250Fs. After eight years with the old mill, this one will be a huge jump forward. I saw Malcolm Stewart on a 2013 in a demo at Loretta's, and he said the stock bike is putting out mod-level power. I expect KTM's old rep for big power in the small displacement classes to be restored next year.
And speaking of power, this team is undoutably one of them now in the 250 Class. Just a year ago, the class was a two-horse race between PC Kawi and GEICO Honda. Now there's a third squad that just guaranteed they'll be contenders for the future--and Rockstar Suzuki has made great strides as well. Looks like parity is back and here to stay in the 250 Class.
Steve Matthes:
The news that KTM has inked their two 250 star riders to two-year deals is a bit of a surprise to me. And I mean it’s only a surprise because I would’ve tried to get Ken Roczen locked up even longer than two years. Both racers are among the very best in the class and their futures look bright.
Roczen has raced almost three complete series over here after winning the MX2 World Championship and he’s gotten a ton of podiums and some wins along the way. Next year, when he knows the ins and outs of the outdoor schedule, learning to pin it right from the start of the first practice, he’ll win a whole lot more than the one moto he’s won this year. At 18 years old, he’s a future champion in the outdoors and supercross in the next year or so. The kid is that good.
Musquin’s path to this two-year deal has been a little rockier than Kenny’s but he’s shown some real good speed lately in the outdoor series and in supercross, although he can be a bit up and down, at times. And this two-time MX2 World Champion just won his first career National and I really believe he’s a better supercross racer than motocross racer. Spurning interest from Pro Circuit, Marvin chose to stay orange after the Austrian OEM rescued him from a privateer Honda team over in Europe.
Both racers have adapted really well to living in America and have embraced the way of life over here. The Moose-can and Roczen have KTM set-up strong in the 250 Class for the next two years.
Chase Stallo:
Another big announcement shook the motocross landscape late yesterday evening when KTM formally announced they had re-signed two-time MX2 World Champion Marvin Musquin and 2011 MX2 World Champion Ken Roczen to two-year contract extensions.
First, let’s applaud KTM for waiting to announce this decision after the biggest day in the manufactures history at Unadilla nearly two weeks ago—although most everyone already knew of the decision well before. It garners ever more headlines for the KTM Lites team that may become overshadowed by the championship celebration in two weeks.
Now let’s get to the meat of the story. I like the decision all around, but what I feel is the backbone of the deal is that both Roczen and Musquin have been signed to TWO-YEAR contracts instead of the typical one and done. This gives each rider the comfort of not having to look over their shoulders next year wondering who may be next in line to replace them.
Obviously both Roczen and Musqin have quietly had their struggles in dealing with the adjustment of living in America, but they have also both shown enormous amounts of potential for future championships. With Justin Barcia and Dean Wilson moving up to the 450 Class next season, expect Roczen and Musquin to give Baggett and Tomac everything they can handle, both indoors and out. KTM has shown the last couple years that they are in this for the long haul and the signing of Roczen and Musquin to long-term deals only further cements that proclamation.
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Let's not forget that KTM has Jeffrey Herlings waiting in the wings to come over to the US. I can see both Roczen and Marvin moving up to the 450 class after next year and then Herlings will take over the 250's along with whoever else.
HOW MUCH did they sign for?TOP secret?smh
I would be nice to see one of the bright stars from Lorettas get a piece of orange.
I don't really see this as a shocking development. Anybody who has a pulse can see that KTM is making a big push in U.S. MX and will be as established as the "big four" in short order. Having Roger D. around is quite an incentive as well.
I agree with Matthes' thinking of signing of Roczen long-term but, to me, two years IS long-term to the factories in the U.S. I suppose a three or four year deal to Carioli is concievable but, he has a stranglehold on the class and things are just different over there.
Also, Tomac will be up for grabs next year and I assume KTM / Roger D. would like to have him turn orange.
I'm glad to see KTM being a contender. How much longer do they have DeCoster? I thought he was wanting to retire soon, possibly at the end of next year?
Isn't Herling signed to race GPs through 2014?
Dungey, Tomac, Roczen, Musquin would make a mighty fine 450 effort, if KTM could afford it.
And I think KTM's deep pockets could handle it..........
I like KTM, but they need to realize they need to spend their money on Americans so they can win titles. If they did not come through LL's, don't waste the money.
If KTM had opted to (not) re-sign these two, that would be more of a surprise in my opinion. Two year deals for these two young studs is respectable, (in this economy) and has to be a nice bit of security for the riders as they try to sleep each night. I am just so pleased to see a (non) Japanese organization step up to the plate and make the Big 4, take notice. The whole RedBull/KTM joint venture, is just a great business model to begin with as well to build on. I just hope Roger stays around for as long as he wants, in some capacity or another. I could see him wearing Orange for a long, long time.
Hoping so, anyway...
If Tomac is available, his size and strength would be a great fit for the 450. He would make a great teammate for Dungey, if he is ready to move up....
@BD25; I know Eli is only 20, and just finishing up his third year in the 250 class. But, like you, it sure seems like he has (out) grown the size and power of a 250. Not that it can't get him to the front, when he wants, just saying that he has stated he rides a 450 all the time at home, and I would think by the way he is bulking up, what is he going to look like next year at this time on a 250. It will look like an 80 underneath him, and that just may slow him down due to (his) weight. Maybe it's just an Optical illusion, but he looks (large) on that bike, like Barcia. Only he and his Dad would have the answer to the question, "Is he (mentally) ready to move up?" Physically, I'd say yes, but this is so much more than purely physical at the, "Big Show."
This just in, Rapid Reaxtion from Antonio Cairolli: "Whew, I'm glad I won't have to face these guys in the future so I can keep cherry picking titles in Europe, you know, kind of like Everts did."
Jake511... I've heard both Bultaco and Carabella have begun a bidding war for DeCoster's services. Just a rumor, mind you.
@pizzacorner pfft get lost, i know its hard for alot of americans to get there head around, but there are other coubtries in this world not just you!
If Herlings does what he is capable of doing, at the MXdN, teams will forget about LL's and start searching every Dutch sandbox in the country for the next big thing.
Tomac & KTM sounds right to me but, I've thought it through and don't see any reason for him to leave Honda. Between him & Barcia, they should put Big Red back on the map...................................unless Honda can't afford two (or three?)top-tier stars. If that's the case, all bets are off. I believe it will come down to timing. Will Tomac be ready to sign on next year with T.C & J.B. ?
Tomac will be the most wanted rider next year. I am sure that all the factories will be trying to nab him about this time next year. I think that Tomac is the next big thing. Time will tell.
Can some one here tell me how to get a pic on my profile
I don't think KTM could go with Tomac, Musquin will probably bump to big bikes for 2014 and that would make 2 on the big bikes with Kenny running 250's, as much as I'd like to see Herlings come to the US, I don't see it happening. In 2 years when he moves up to big bikes, he will be KTM's successer to Caroili in the GP's,
So whats wrong with not picking a rider who didn't come through LL's?
So Herlings is getting some mentions in the USA. But the fact is that if Herlings stays in FIM MX like Tony Cairoli, talking will be all that happens.
Roger DeCoster looks at a riders grounding, world experience on different styles of tracks etc and obviously their past championship winning resume.
Do you honestly expect him to choose some over hyped kid fresh out of Loretta Lynn's over these German and french youngsters? When was the last time you saw DeCoster at LL talent scouting?
Look what happens to most of the LL phenom's like Zach Bell and Bogle. They jump into nationals, holeshot then usually crash their brains out and fade away.
The LL amateur programme in the US is very good at producing fast amateur's but
team managers want more than this for young professionals with a long term future in the sport.
Herlings wil stay in europe because stefan 72 won t let him go to the usa. Herlings want s to ride his ktm every day but stefan 72 says no so herlings don t get a bike every day. Ktm tels herlings what to do and that s it.
You didn t see the real Musquin yet in the usa so don t say roczen is better.
Roczen has to ride over his head to win but marvin is never riding like that he s one off the smoothest riders in the world and i think he s better than roczen.
Mitch Payton nows who can be a champion and he wanted marvin and i would loved to see him on a pc bike with bagget
Hey pizza, Im pretty sure i saw LL trophies on KROCS wall..... i think he was 9th in MODB @ 14years old..... pretty sure the same with STOCKB. Not bad for a 14 year old to come into the states for the week. His english was say, not so good then.
I'm waiting to see some dyno numbers on the new 250F motor. Hopefully, it's a beast.