Monday Conversation: Ryan Dungey
Monday, March 28, 2011 | 5:15 PM
Alpinestars has been delivering performance of the highest level on the motocross tracks of the world for almost 50 years. Racing on Sunday and developing on Monday is a way of life at Alpinestars. Welcome to the Racer X Monday Conversation.
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You don’t get to be a supercross champion by just sitting around and being happy to not get wins on Saturday nights. Rockstar/Makita Suzuki’s Ryan Dungey has been plenty fast enough at times to win main events but it wasn’t happening for the friendly guy from Minnesota until this past weekend in Toronto. Dungey grabbed the lead early on and rode an almost (as you’ll read here in a bit) flawless twenty laps to win his first race of the year. Perhaps Dungey is peaking at the right time with only five races left and only eight points out of the lead. I spoke to Dungey on Monday afternoon to get his take on the race.
Racer X: Ryan thanks for calling and great ride on Saturday night, it’s got to be a big relief for you to finally get one?
Ryan Dungey: Yeah, it definitely is coming this far into the season and getting that first one is great for myself and the team as well. Now we have that one scratched off. Being twelve races in is tough, it’s been a challenging season for us but we’ve been working hard, trying to put in our time and no matter what keep progressing forward in all situations. I’m very excited and pumped on the whole night.
Do you feel like you’ve been riding as well as last year, to me you haven’t been getting the starts like last year, but is there something else?
Yeah, I definitely feel as good if not better than last year. Like I said, this year has brought more challenges for us but that’s a good opportunity as well. I have been lacking in my starts this year and those are obviously important, putting yourself in a good position to win and not having to fight through a pack of riders. Getting off to a good start and putting in good laps so that you can win is important and we’ve been trying to put ourselves in that spot.
Dungey finally got the monkey off his back in Toronto.
Photo: Andrew Fredrickson
You’ve got media guys like myself wondering if you can win, the fans are talking about why you haven’t won but does any of that chatter get to you and cause you to feel any more pressure than usual? Just the fact you didn’t have a win yet…
I think going into the year, we were trying as hard as always. You have to remember the goal --and that is the championship at the end of the year, that’s always been the goal. Although we didn’t win any right off the bat, there were some good rides in there. I didn’t go back during the week and run myself into the ground and get tired. I would go back and work on areas that I thought I could improve on though. I didn’t really care what people thought. We are doing our deal and being consistent throughout the season.
Throwing that chain at Anaheim 2 was a tough deal to take for sure, but like a lot of things in life, you get tested and it’s how you handle those things and how you bounce back is the measure. What’s done is done and you can’t go back and change anything. You have to keep looking forward in the right direction. It was a bummer that it (winning) didn’t happen earlier but we got one and now we have to keep trying to win some more races.
Would you say that Jacksonville was the lowest point of the season for you and now it’s funny that you win the very next week?
Jacksonville wasn’t that bad, I was happy on the night. Third place is ok and at the end of that race we took away the fact that we were healthy. There was some stuff going on that was crazy in the supercross class. So just being able to race the next weekend was good. I was more bummed that I made a few mistakes and I lost some time. It was what it was but it didn’t knock me down at all. We found some areas that we could improve on this week and it ended up working out pretty good in the end. Just need to say thanks to my team and it was nice to do that for them.
I just thought on the podium at Jacksonville, you seemed bummed out, but let’s talk about your race in Toronto, were you marking Reed out there?
Yeah, once I got into first, I saw Chad right there and he quickly moved into second. I really just tried to focus on my race and I found myself in that position that I’ve been wanting to be in. I just tried to ride my own race and maintain that little lead I did have. I had some close calls, got into lappers and made some mistakes on my own but thankfully nothing major and it worked out in the end. We came away with the win.
The track was chewed up, one of the toughest ones of the season. Throughout the night we made changes on the bike, even going into the main. The track kept changing, getting very slippery throughout the night. I think we made some good changes on the bike and it worked out in the end.
Yeah, Reed told me the whoops were getting very scary.
And you know when he’s saying that, they were gnarly. They must have been because usually he’s one of the better guys through them.
Dungey is still very much in the title hunt after Toronto.
Photo: Andrew Fredrickson
I don’t think the SPEED cameras caught it but you had an incredible save out there where you were in-between the rhythm lanes and seat bounced your way back onto the section and downsided a jump. Do you remember that?
It got a little hairy there! I was going up the face of the triple and lost my rear for a second there right at the very top of the jump. Lucky it didn’t catch anything but it stepped out on me and when it hooked back up it shot me to the left. I landed on the downside of the jump but on the outside of the tuff blocks! Then there was more tuff blocks there and I was stuck in-between the lanes, so then I thought “How am I going to get back on the track?” but the next jump was actually going all the way across to the other lane. So I hit that in the middle, jumped over the blocks and downsided the next jump.
That’s what I meant -- the track was crazy. Once you thought you had it, you would lose your rear end or something. You really had to focus on the track.
Good job on the win and I think the guy that was happier than you was your team manager Mike Webb. I saw him at the end of the night and he was very happy!
(Laughs) That’s good, being a new team manager it’s good to win for him. We were all happy on the night and we look forward to what’s coming ahead.
I know you’re a Minnesota guy but with you living in Florida, were you as miserable as some of the other riders I spoke to in regards to the weather?
I know I’m from Minnesota but people forget that I have lived in Florida for four years and it’s hot down there. It wasn’t too bad, it was cold and chilly but I like four seasons. I don’t mind being in the cold here and there. It didn’t really bother me.
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Finaly RD TALKS!!! been a LONG time sence he did an interview.
He says he was Ok with 3rd at Jacksonville... Well is sure did not look that way after the race!! LOL. I thought he was going to win a few weeks back, He started to look real good about 4 weeks ago. I still think he needs to start in front of RV and JS to beat them but he is looking very good right now. Best seanon EVER IMO!! the 5 best guys are still healthy... as healthy as ya can be at this point anyway.
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
happy for dungey even tho he beat the 22. as long as villipoto or stewart dont win this thing, im happy
Fact: All of the riders in the top five in points are good enough to win on any given night. We haven't had this kind of competition in Supercross in years. When McGrath and RC were racing you could pretty much mail it in for the majority of their careers. The competition in Supercross is fierce. There is a five way battle for the championship and anybody can take that number 1 spot. I haven't been this excited about Supercross in years. As long as these guys work hard and stay healthy Supercross should be highly competitive for the next 3 or 4 years.
So lets enjoy the racing and stop all the complaining and whining about who took who out, I hate this guy, this guy did this, this guy did that, blah, blah, blah, just shut the hell up and enjoy one hell of a supercross season.
being consistant wins championships these days with all the injuries and dnfs going on. Can you think of one time dungey has been injured. I cant. Its going to come down to dungey and reed at vegas, and it might just come down to who has better luck, and we all know that dungey can be lucky. Go dungey!
The Wizard is as tough as they come. No excuses, no sh!* talking, no complaining...RD1 just puts his head down and gets it done. To come back like this after all the adversity he has faced this year...special.
Man, I heard his off camera off the track excursion was close to being a season ender???? Anyone see it?
That has been his problem, he hasn't said pumped in awhile...now he should do o.k, good luck kid!!!!
Im going over to Transworld. OMG, that Alpinestars ad is freaking killing me.
the ad is crazy!! But on the other hand,good job Dungey. Hard work does pay off!
Dungey shows that hard work,and consistency does payoff. Congrats on the win!!!
AdH8ter....goodbye whiner
If he doesnt lose his chain, he is probably in first in the points right now. Good to see him get a win. He is as fast as anyone, he just isnt faster. If he starts behind some guys, he cant make up ground. But he does have the speed. And he stays healthy. If he would just get aggressive, he would be a top 3 guy every week.
Possibly BD200....so many ifs....Hopefully the last 5 races are just good clean, no crashes, no BS take out clean races......If RV made the main last week and finished top 3, RD would still be behind in points (if he didn't lose his chain).......If JS7 won Daytona and finished last week top 3 he would be the leader..... IF. IF IF.IF's If I was on acid that ASTARs add would be awesome.....
Uh.. BD, doesn't 9 podiums this season (the most) kinda make him a top 3 guy every week?
No sign of YZSEAN??? too many of you cyberbullies (nobody's) probably made him commit suicide... His boy finally won w/ no excuses!!!!!! He's had the speed all year it seems. but so has trey, Reed, RV, and Js. the Dunge can make this exciting. They said he couldn't do it without roger D.... he soaked up everything roger said like a sponge. this kid's probably gonna be around for a while. Rick melon,,,,,, save a tab for me homey. we can put our differences aside for this Trip!!!
He wears his hat like a normal dude should. Me likes that, ha.
@ Rick M: I was at the stadium almost directly in front of the Triple where Dungey hopped off the track. It was so weird because i didn't even realize he was in trouble until he landed on the wrong side of the tough blocks. He slowed down a bit, shoulder checked for Reed and then seat bounced the dirt mound on the wrong side of the tuff blocks to enter the next rhythm section. It happened so fast everyone I was sitting with didn't even notice. I kept asking people "Did you just see that?" and no one caught it. Pretty slick. Could have been over right there because there really wasn't a good entry back onto the track. It was after the big triple before the off camber dog leg.
Congrats Ryan!!
Where's that Ankle Savers girl ad? That's what I want to see!
Alpinestars are the best, but let's lose the eye headache ad.
Way to ride, Dungey!
WAY TO GO RD..HE'LL PROBABLY WIN THE GOLD..STRONG AND STEADY THAT AD SUCKS,
Luv the Dungey
This website has sold the F**** out. Ads, ads and more ads.
that ad is messing with me.
Dungey was going to win eventually, now lets see if he can pass anyone. Or maybe the man above will just hand him another championship.
RacerX has never sold out, this is how they've always been. Those O'neal swimsuit ads next to DC's article in the magazine have been there since the beginning. There has even been an article written about why they chose to accept such slutty material to advertise in their magazine. So I guess you should leave Miguel because this place isn't what you thought it was
Well deserved win for the Champ! Congrats to the whole Suzuki team and especially Goose, makes up for those mechanicals real nice. My money is still on Dungey & Goose packing up at the end of the year and hooking back up with the original RD.
The website and message boards are free--right? Just how do you think you pay for all that?
I, for one, like the hot babes. I would also argue that the young riders also like the hot babes. Many of them race to win championships so they can stand on the podium with hot babes. Others race to be in the night program so they can look at hot babes holding the 30 second board.
Take away the babes and you ruin many, many riders' careers.
Let's not remove physically conditioned women from the sport, this is not a muslim society where women have to wear a burka. Have a sense of humor. Don't take life too seriously. Before you know it, we'll all be rotting in the ground. At least give us a few simple pleasures.
people have not followed RD career apparently because he has been on the podium 7or 8 times now .he won the lites class his rookie season and he will have another one this year.i have watched this kid since he was a amateur and it will not be his last time to hold the #1 plate. dont talk crap if you dont know what your talking about.RD will show what he is made of this year look out for Canard he is not going to let any of these guys just have this thing easy keep it up trey.
@you bet --- BEST POST OF THE DAY!!!! That is one thing a do like about Dungey and I do like the kid...He is a true motohead....No bling bling ear rings or lame as gimmik attitude...shit, Reed is more black that stewart.....Even stewie wears his hat normal.....I want to see 1,2,22,7 and 41 all get to the first turn in that order and let see some racing!!! great year....dont take these message boards to serious...I am laughing half the time I write stuff......
@you bet --- BEST POST OF THE DAY!!!! That is one thing a do like about Dungey and I do like the kid...He is a true motohead....No bling bling ear rings or lame as gimmik attitude...shit, Reed is more black that stewart.....Even stewie wears his hat normal.....I want to see 1,2,22,7 and 41 all get to the first turn in that order and let see some racing!!! great year....dont take these message boards to serious...I am laughing half the time I write stuff......
rick... reed is actually part black guy ( aboriginal ) an australian black guy ... his mum is black his dad is white...
i think i have a little throw up about to happen from that ad. RV2 will return. Nice ride RD1. Havoc7 continues if he fixes it ,hes gone. 41 is more dangerous than it seems. Not a reed fan but hes doing exactly what he has to to win the championship(smart).
These flash adds are making me sick and annoying the hell out of me.
Does anyone know if James Stewart was also wearing a policeman's uniform when he was arrested for impersonating a Florida Officer on Monday?
Damn, I would have thought the FMOTP would have gotten away clean.
jairtime.. What on earth has the hot babes got to do with supercross or motorcross? And how on earth will this ruin a rider's career?? Fu** off man!
Let me guess... You seem like an old fart.. white... Has a thing or two against coloured people and is simply to much of a coward to tell this upfront, not too smart as well.. never know what a university degree is... Have a huge memoribilia of the kkk... And gets a boner on looking at the babes? The last one, is THE only normal thing you seem to do and.. We share the same goal.. RV2 winning the championship.. For the rest... I find you a funny guy jairtime... Ha,ha
jairtime... here.. Some news you will savour... Ha,ha.. Knowing ur affection for stewie.. And do not forget the babes...
And for all the fantards of stewie.. Another stupid, dumb ass action of the so called fastest and now dumbest person of the planet...
http://www.lebigusa.com/articles/james-stewart-en-prison.html
RV2 is definetly going to win the championship.. And if I was redbull, or yamaha.. i would terminate the contract.. What a fu**ing emberassment.
All these pinheads complaining about the ads - that's the sign of a successful content site, the fact that A-list companies actually understand and are happy to spend their budget to advertise here. Whine all you want - there's no such thing as bad publicity (ask Charlie Sheen). The fact that you're commenting on Alpinestars' ad only draws more attention to said ad - which is just gravy to the advertiser. (Ha, I double dog dare you to click on it - your head might explode!). I remember when El Toro was an active military airport long before it was surrounded by homes. Then when they filled the surrounding subdivisions and people complained about the sound of fighter jets overhead, the long-timers who had become accustomed to it reminded them that it wasn't an inconvenience; that's the sound of freedom. In a time when our economy (and industry) is in the crapper, the last thing we need is whiners complaining about the advertisers who are paying the freight to bring you the content that you so freely choose to consume. That annoying ad to the right? Looks like capitalism to me.
BEST SEASON EVER!! Good for Dungey. GO CR22!!
@racer-x, please install a "disable alpinestars"' button, asafp.
Thank you.
Hey you guys, here's an idea.... Minimize your 'browser window', and re-size it horizontally, so that the offensive 'alpinestarz ad' is no longer visible, upon your desktop.
I just saved myself at least10 hits of riddlin, and 6 psychiatric appointments, with that one move alone. You really should try it sometime. : )
Will Bubba meet the "REAL BUBBA" in jail?? LOL
js7 was arrested for impersonating a police officer. How will he explain this? I'm curious to hear from the js7 lovers on this one. JLaw was run out of racing for his antics, wonder what the AMA will say or do with js7? James Sr has his work cut out for him this time. I'm sure there had to be some racist motive for these officers to make such a claim against the "fastest man on the planet".
I may watch that episode of "Bubba's World". You can't make this stuff up!!
Great to see Dungey get a win & the points close up even more!
When Dungey finally retires after a long & successful MX/SX career, I think he would make a good politician, or is he too honest for that.
New nickname for James Stewart: "Fastest police impersonator on the planet."
He might be fast, but the cops are a hell of a lot faster.
Hey guys, just right click on the alpine stars ad and then toggle off the "play" and "loop" buttons. I felt your pain as well........although slowpoke did have a pretty good point.
Hummm. 24 hours after a critical Toronto race Stewart is in Orlando pulling people over on the highway with fake police lights. When he has the bad luck of pulling over two off-duty cops, Stewart peels away, and they call in backup. They arrest Stewart at the Orlando airport after fleeing at a high rate of speed AND trying to hide the cop lights. Kind of shows you where his head, heart and commitment are these days.
New nickname... Jail Break 7... There will be some sort of public service anouncement and appology soon... should be good fodder for message boards. What's Bubba doing haning out with a 44 year old dude??? nice company he keeps, Larry got out just in time.
I would love to see Dungey win this thing. I have nothing against any of the others but Villy and Bubba seems like it is their right to win it. Like noone else deserves it. Dungey didnt wreck Villy last year in St Lois it was the other way around and look how that turned out? Ill be rooting for Reed and Dungey the rest of the way along with Turbo Trey.
Who would have thunk it... Dungey could win this whole thing again...
Quasimotox..........thank you for saving my life!
@BT Racist plot? Your a F***ing idiot.
bd200 hes already a top 3 guy every week. if he could get a start like he did last weekend hes proved he can be a winner.