The 2025 Daytona Supercross turned out to be a thrilling spectacle, with veteran rider Ken Roczen emerging as the surprise winner in an exciting race that kept fans on the edge of their seats. But for Cooper Webb, who finished second, the race was a reminder of how quickly things can change in Supercross, with Roczen taking the lead and refusing to relinquish it.
Webb was full of praise for Roczen, acknowledging the German rider’s excellent performance. “He was just on it,” Webb said. “He passed me and he made a quick pass on Aaron, and I was like ‘Oh!’” Webb, who has often been known for his ability to track down leaders late in races, was initially able to inch closer to Roczen. However, as Webb pushed harder to catch up, it led to some costly mistakes. “I started to ride harder and it led me to make mistakes,” he explained. Despite his efforts, Roczen managed to maintain his pace and secure the victory. “He got me, straight up,” Webb admitted. “It’s gone the other way a few times, but tonight he got me.”
Despite not taking the win, Webb found enjoyment in the race. “It was fun,” he said when asked if the race was enjoyable despite the outcome. “There was a lot going on, and like Ken said, if you made one mistake early, you were getting freight-trained. Then you’d nail something the next lap and you’re right in it.” Webb’s positive attitude reflected his experience in high-stakes races. “You hate losing, but I’m sure when I look back on Monday, I’ll realize it was a sweet race,” he added.
Meanwhile, Webb’s teammate and rival Chase Sexton also had a night to forget. Sexton, who has been a consistent contender at the top of the standings, had a challenging evening. He led his heat race before a hard crash on the first lap, leaving him battered and bruised for the rest of the event. Despite recovering enough to win the Last Chance Qualifier (LCQ), Sexton struggled with a poor start in the main event, compounded by a bad gate pick. He fought hard midway through the race, even challenging Webb, but ultimately faded and finished in fifth, costing him valuable points in the standings.
Webb reflected on Sexton’s troubles, acknowledging the impact of a poor heat race start. “Falling in the first turn is never good, it’s kind of a panic, but then I saw Chase down and you start to think a little bit,” Webb noted. “Main event was good but I made a few mistakes in the end.”
The race at Daytona not only showcased Roczen’s determination and skill but also highlighted the unpredictable nature of Supercross, where one mistake can dramatically affect the outcome. As the season continues, both Webb and Sexton remain at the top of the standings, but the Daytona race will surely stand out as a key moment in the 2025 campaign. For Roczen, it was a win that will be remembered as a breakthrough, while for Webb and Sexton, it was a reminder of the fine line between victory and defeat in the demanding world of Supercross.
