Ken Roczen has responded strongly to recent comments made by Ricky Carmichael, where he disrespected two of Supercross’s most iconic riders, Jeremy McGrath and James Stewart. Carmichael, known for his dominance in the 450cc class and his reputation as one of the sport’s all-time greats, has made headlines by downplaying the contributions of McGrath and Stewart to the sport. However, Roczen, a current star in the Supercross circuit, fired back, defending the legacies of McGrath and Stewart while emphasizing their unrivaled impact on the sport.
In a recent interview, Carmichael suggested that while McGrath and Stewart were undoubtedly talented, his own achievements outshone theirs in terms of overall skill and success. Carmichael went so far as to claim that his success, particularly in the 450cc class, elevated him to a higher level than both McGrath and Stewart. However, Roczen, who has battled the best of the best in the sport, wasn’t having it. He took to social media to clarify his stance, making it clear that there’s no room for disrespecting the legends who paved the way for riders like himself.
“Carmichael is a great rider, no doubt about it,” Roczen began, “but to say he can be compared to McGrath or Stewart is simply wrong. These guys are legends. James Stewart was known for his unmatched skill on the Supercross track. No one could touch him when it came to raw talent and technical ability. There was a time when Stewart’s riding defied the laws of physics—his flow, speed, and style were something else entirely.”
Roczen didn’t stop there. He also recalled a particularly iconic moment in McGrath’s career, where the King of Supercross battled through the flu to claim back-to-back wins. “I remember McGrath battling the flu and still going out there to win two races in a row. That’s the kind of toughness and determination that makes legends. McGrath and Stewart built this sport and gave us riders like myself something to aspire to. To disrespect their legacy is not just wrong; it’s disrespecting everything they’ve done for Supercross,” Roczen explained.
Roczen’s defense of McGrath and Stewart highlights the reverence many current riders have for the legends who helped shape the sport. McGrath, often referred to as the “King of Supercross,” revolutionized the sport and brought Supercross into the mainstream with his innovative riding style and countless championships. James Stewart, known as “Bubba,” was equally influential, with his record-breaking performances and aggressive riding style that raised the bar for every rider who followed him.
While Carmichael’s own achievements are undeniable, Roczen’s passionate response underscores the importance of respecting those who helped elevate the sport to its current heights. As Roczen put it, “There’s a reason we call them legends, and you don’t disrespect legends.”
