The German Motocross of Nations (MXoN) team haven’t won the event since that memorable day in Lommel back in 2012 but in recent years they’ve been knocking on the door again. With Ken Roczen recently becoming a U.S. citizen, questions have arisen about his eligibility for Team Germany and what the future holds for the squad. We decided to give team manager, Marcel Dornhöfer a call to provide some insight into Roczen’s status, Max Nagl’s enduring speed, and other options for the German squad.
GateDrop: Marcel, it was recently announced that Ken Roczen has become an American citizen, was this something you were expecting or did it come as a surprise to you?
Dornhöfer: Firstly, I’d like to say that I’m thrilled that a journalist is asking for firsthand information directly from me. Often many media outlets only publish their opinions and speculation, which are often far away from reality. To me, that’s not journalism and I’m very happy to receive requests like yours.
Ken becoming an American citizen didn’t surprise us at all. Ken’s life is centered in the US. It will stay that way, and it makes sense to have his citizenship there as well. He’s been trying for years to get American citizenship and to keep his German citizenship at the same time. That wasn’t possible until recently, but now it has worked out after some regulations in Germany changed last year. I’m happy for him and for us (laughs).
GateDrop: Have you reached out to speak to Ken about it since it was announced and how did that conversation go?
Dornhöfer: We have communicated with Ken and his wife Courtney before and after his announcement about his US citizenship. To race at the MXoN is always high on Kens wish list, but with his schedule and obligations it’s always a challenge to make it work. Ken told me at the farewell ceremony in England last year that as long as he’s at the right level as a rider and has a German passport, he wants to be on the team.
GateDrop: There are rumours that moving forward Roczen won’t be able to race for Germany at the MXoN in future events – can you tell us what his change of citizenship means for the future? Can he still line up for Germany if selected – I assume the answer is yes!
Dornhöfer: I’ve been told by Ken that he has retained his German citizenship. The passport has to be presented at the race, so Ken is still eligible to race for Germany. Of course, we hope that he chooses to compete for the German MXoN team in October. We would all be thrilled to have such a top star back on the team and, with a bit of luck, to reach the podium.
GateDrop: Roczen actually didn’t contest the MXoN for many years, but the past few years has decided to line up – has it been good to get him back on-board – he won his class in Ernee!
Dornhöfer: Yes, shortly after Karsten (Schneider) and I became team managers of the German MXoN team, he decided to join us. We were absolutely thrilled! The victory in the MXGP class in Ernee was tremendous and Ken was also very stoked about it. Don’t forget: he did not race a lot of Motocross in that season. Unfortunately, we narrowly missed the podium in the overall standings, finishing fourth. That would have been the highlight for him, me, the team, and all the fans.
GateDrop: Max Nagl never seems to lose any pace and what he is doing is pretty incredible considering he just focuses on the ADAC MX Masters. Even you must still be impressed by his speed?
Dornhöfer: Yes, I definitely am. What he’s achieved and how professionally he still handles everything is incredibly impressive. I hope he can replicate all of this again at Triumph over the next two years. The young riders could still learn a lot from him.
GateDrop: I think Max said after Matterley Basin it would be his last MXoN event but he told me the same thing after RedBud when we were leaving the track – if he continues to battle at the front of the ADAC MX Masters – will you still keep him in mind for selection and ask him if he’ll race Ironman in 2025?
Dornhöfer: I agree, Max also tells us every time that it was his last time. That makes it a little more difficult to plan with him. But of course, we always have him on our radar. And it would be a mistake if we didn’t, when he’s racing the ADAC MX Masters as confidently as he has been in recent years. Max already told our teams media manager, that he might be open minded to ride the MXoN in the USA…
GateDrop: Max is also racing a Triumph this year – one of the first riders to race the new 450cc machine – that is pretty cool?!
Dornhöfer: I wish him all the best, although it will certainly be very difficult to immediately return to the same level as he did with his previous bike. To switch to a completely new bike and into a new team aren’t easy, and it will take some time to develop and adapt. I wish him all the best and keep my fingers crossed that he can build on his performances from 2024.
GateDrop: Simon Längenfelder, this kid is pretty special. I think he has it all to become a world champion – I’m sure you agree?
Dornhöfer: I can only agree. He has the perfect team and is giving his all to become world champion. I sincerely hope he succeeds in realizing his dream.
GateDrop: The last German world champion was Ken Roczen, I am sure you would love another one!
Dornhöfer: There’s no question about it; Motocross is my life. It guides my daily routine, and my life is centered around it. What could be better than another German world champion?
GateDrop: There are also other German riders to keep an eye on with the likes of Max Spies and Tom Koch… I am sure you’ll be keeping a close eye on them….
Dornhöfer: Yes, we’re in contact with both of them and are closely monitoring their performances. But there are others on our list for the future as well. I’m curious to see how Tom’s results turn out once everything has settled in with Beta. It will also be exciting to see how Max Spies develops this year, as he’s still very young.
