Ken Roczen, a prominent figure in the world of Supercross, has been through both physical and mental challenges throughout his career. His pursuit of a premier class Supercross championship has been a defining goal for many years, but a pivotal life event—becoming a father—has significantly changed his approach to racing. In September 2020, Roczen and his wife, Courtney, welcomed their first child, Griffin Savage Roczen. The birth of his son marked a new chapter for Roczen, one that brought a shift in both his perspective and his performance on the track.
Prior to becoming a father, Roczen took time off to rebuild himself physically and mentally, preparing for a potential championship run. The couple’s first child, Griffin, gave Roczen something entirely new to focus on—something beyond the daily grind of racing. The change was evident both in his demeanor and results as he returned to racing in 2021. Roczen sported an updated helmet design featuring the phrase “Griffin’s Daddy,” a clear symbol of the newfound joy and purpose in his life.
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Roczen’s performances on the track were impacted by this change in mindset. After claiming his first win of the season, Roczen reflected on how different his approach was compared to previous years. “I’m mentally in a completely different spot,” Roczen shared after his victory at the Indianapolis 2 Supercross. He admitted that, while he had been successful in 2016 and 2017, his mindset was more mature now. He felt more comfortable and open-minded, listening to critique and picking apart his racing strategy. “I’m just really comfortable and open-minded,” he said, highlighting the transformation that came with fatherhood.
The arrival of Griffin has brought balance to Roczen’s life. In between races, taking care of his son—whether by changing diapers, feeding him, or just holding him—provides Roczen with a necessary mental break from the intensity of racing. He admits that this time away from the stress of lap times and track sections has helped him ride better. “When your mind is freakin’ clear like that, that’s when you ride the best,” he explained.
Even though he is committed to his racing career, Roczen has been open about his desire for his son to explore other sports. However, he can’t help but feel a sense of joy when he sits Griffin on his bike, watching him put his hands on the handlebars. “How can you not share something that you’ve done for 98 percent of your life?” Roczen reflected. His wife, Courtney, echoed this sentiment, recognizing the importance of the memories they are creating as a family—memories that will be shared with Griffin in the future, whether or not he chooses to follow in his father’s footsteps.
As the Supercross season progresses, Roczen’s results have been steady, but he remains content with his performances. Despite being 22 points behind Cooper Webb in the championship standings, Roczen has adopted a healthy, big-picture perspective. “I don’t feel like I need to prove myself anymore,” he said, expressing that family and personal growth are now his top priorities. For Roczen, the arrival of Griffin has not only helped him appreciate family more but also elevated his game. It’s a mindset that, in the long run, is making all the difference.
