Insight: Ryan Dungey
Tuesday, September 13, 2011 | 2:00 PM
Since 1990, the driving force for Allsport Dynamic’s products has come from the physically demanding sport of motocross. From the entire Allsport team, comes a true commitment to helping others and a dedication to make the best products possible in both design and function.
Tweet
Advertisement | Advertise with Us
Share
Comment
Email
Print
Let’s just march out the cliché: Ryan Dungey won the battle but lost the war on Saturday at Pala Raceway, taking the 450 overall win with 2-1 scores but coming up 14 points shy of the 2011 Lucas Oil AMA Pro Motocross Championship. But he seemed happy, and not at all sad, about coming up short. After all, it was still a really good season. He spoke about it after the race.
Racer X Online: Great day, great season, but obviously you would have liked to have taken the plate. How was the day?
Ryan Dungey: Like you said, it was a great day. Lots of great racing. Long, hard fought season. It’s a bummer that we didn’t come out on top, but there’s a sense of happiness, too. It was a lot of fun racing with Ryan, and I’m looking forward to racing him next year. Every race was hard fought. As a racer, you know, you go home and do your work every week and try to better yourself. It’s a work in progress. This was definitely the most hard fought season of my career, and I think we did a great job considering what went on—and no excuses, it’s racing.
Dungey's overall at Pala was not enough to overtake Villopoto for the championship.
Photo: Simon Cudby
You seemed so relieved when the day was over. Were you just happy to get the win, or happy that the pressure of this season-long battle was over?
[Laughs] I don’t know. Twenty-four motos, it’s a long season, especially coming off of supercross, and it really takes a toll on the body. There aren’t many breaks. I was just happy on the day, I think with everything coming down, it was good to end it this way. It’s good to know I walked away and did everything I could. It’s cool. To see Ryan [Villopoto], his wreck last year, you don’t always come back from that. So a lot of credit to him and his team. I guess it’s a little bit of a relief that it’s over, but I’m really looking forward to going to the Motocross of Nations.
[Guy B of Vital MX asks the next question]
Ryan, any comment on next year’s plans?
You’re always asking me that! [Laughs] No, we’ll see what next year brings. I’m just really happy on this year. Lot of challenges and adversity, but everyone pulled together and worked through it. I learned a lot, shoot, I wish I had known some of the stuff I learned this year last year. I’m really excited to get a little break after the des Nations and then get ready for 2012.
The previous big rivalry at the top of this sport was Chad Reed and James Stewart, and there was drama on and off the track with those two. It looks like somehow you and Ryan have been able to avoid that—it maybe got a little tense at times, but it never became a big issue. And then on the podium when it was over, you both seemed really happy.
I think there’s a good amount of respect there. We grew up as amateurs, and even at the pro level, he’s won some and I’ve won some. It’s good. It’s good to know that you can race a guy that hard and he’s not going to clean you out. Like I said, there’s a good amount of respect there. We race really clean, and it’s nice for the fans to put on a good show like that. We want the sport to grow and get bigger, and I think 2011—with all the competition—was a good one to watch for the spectators. We’ll see what 2012 brings, it will be interesting.
Over on the backside, one of the 180s, did I see some contact between you and Justin [Barcia]?
Yeah, actually up top, on that step up, I went to go inside and he overshot the turn. I thought he was going to go wide, so I got on the gas really hard, but he held on and I ran right into his footpeg. It put a hole in my stator, and I was leaking a little oil, so luckily I was able to finish. It was unintentional. Just good clean racing.
Dungey was able to hold off Justin Barcia for the overall.
Photo: Simon Cudby
Take us through those motos. Like Villopoto, you were getting rammed out of the gate both times.
Both motos, I just didn’t get the best of starts. I had to come from ninth or tenth both times. I was able to work my way through, and me and Ryan kind of picked guys off on our way to the front. The first moto, we passed each other back and forth a few times. Second moto, a couple of guys went down as we were coming through. It was tough, it took a long time to go and get Barcia. I think Chad had a little bit of a fall. But it was nice to rebound, and it was nice to end the season with a win.
Did you run into Reed’s bike in the first turn in the first moto?
I think I hit it. It was laying right in front of me and I knew my only chance was to go over the bike, or to go off the track into the haybales. I tried to go as far as I could to the inside, I think it did hit his bike, but I didn’t run it over.
Did the same thing happen with Weimer’s bike?
Actually, in both motos I ran over Weimer’s bike! The first moto we were coming through the pack and he fell, and I was like, ‘uh oh’ so I just wheelied over his bike. He probably didn’t like that, but I had nowhere to go. The second moto, like three turns in, I don’t know what happened, but he went down, so I was like, “Well, I’m going to have to wheelie over it again.” I felt bad, you know. But at that point it’s either stop and pull your bike back, you know? You could lose a lot of time there. So I wheelied over it. Hopefully it didn’t ruin his bike for the rest of the day.
Share this article:
Did you like this article?
Check out THE DARK KNIGHT
in our Latest issue of Racer X available now.
Tyler Bowers has become a star on the Amsoil Arenacross circuit, but the often-controversial racer just hit another peak—a surprise win at the 2013 Las Vegas Supercross. Page 148.
Look for the verified symbol 
Impulse Studios
Dungey and Villopoto are class acts. We fans clearly noticed lots of hard racing and none of the drama. We are very lucky to have these two great athletes in our sport.
RD don't feel bad for running over the Kaw!! Bet you wish it was RV's and not Weimer's LOL.
.I like both Rayn's, Pulled for RV but RD really rode great. I think the last 3 races were RD's best 3 ever. He rode outside his comfert zone a little and that was nice to see.Can't wait to see what goes down next year but I hope they can keep it clean like they did this year. I feel RV has the edge for next year. RD will need to do a LOT of testing with KTM but till you race it ya never know so I think it will take him a bit to get up to speed and by then RV could have a big points lead.
. Now to kick some world ass RD!!! Clean house man!!!
Hey BiiC.... Do you have a job?
Nice to see the respect those 2 guys have for each other, clean racing and no drama. Maybe a couple of other guys whose names that won't get mentioned might learn something from Ryan and Ryan. Good luck to Ryan and Ryan at the MXoN. I have heard of Kaw tipping, but not running over them, twice!
@ BillC- Here's a couple atta-boys at you. Guess you do like the dunge too. Now I feel kinda bad for givin' you a hard time. An observation of mine is that in the racing world in general, when my favorite racer wins it's great, but when another guy wins, it's O K too. I like RV just fine, 2nd pick. But whoever wins, as we all know deserves it, and it's all good. Now, not being a football (or any one ball sport fan for that matter) I notice that when your team loses, it can be devestating to them.(the fans) they can and do display some pretty peculiar behavior. Seen a guy kick a pool table so hard he couldn't walk right for a week. and a lot of betting going on. And I like to shake things up a little and claim it's "all rigged" to get some of the fans going. Is it just me or do you notice this stuff too? From mn and tons of people here just hate the packers. Not sure why, Makes no sense to me. They are our neighbors. I think Wisc. is great. Love to snowmobile there. You ever ride a sled? I can hop on outside my front door and ride through SPRING CREEK PARK in about 45 min. Like an endless moto track only with incoming traffic. Way fun. Please give me some of your valuable input. Thanks
yzfsean...Do you have anything constructive to add to the thread?
Bucky394, I really do like the dunge, Whats not to like about the kid? It is fun to see how people get all POed when "there" guy get beat. Don't feel bad for givin me crap I can take it and prolly said something that could be takin bad anyway LOL.
.Yes I do have/ride sleds. 2,500 mi last year. Have a new 2012 800X e-tec on order. I ride new england and go to Canada 1 to 3 times a year riding. What do u ride?
PS. on a good winter I could ride from my house in CT all the way into Canada. Have riden most of it but never seems to work out do do it all in one shot. have one trip planed this winter to start in VT and ride into Canada. Maybe try riding back home from there if the snow is good.
Bill C .... You say that as if you have provided constructive input to the thread. I guess I missed that one.
I've heard a few people say that they don't think Dungey will be a top 3 guy on a KTM. If that was in the form of a bet, I'd take that all day long. 90% rider, 10% bike. Isn't that the rule of thumb?
I wouldn't own a KTM MX bike, but at the factory level, I think they are very comparable to the Big 4. It's hard to tell, because there has not been a proven race winner on one. I can't recall any of the 450 KTMs running out of gas, getting chains knocked off, or having ignition go flaky on the line, so it's hard for me to imagine the situation will be way worse than the current state of Team Suzuki.
yzfsean.......... I guess you might want to reread the thread then, Cuz you for sure missed something.
Not really a RD fan but give credit to the boy!!! Hard season man!!!!
Please just don't compare Short/Alessi's results with what RD will be capable of doing on KTM that's very unfair for RD!!!
Good luck!!!
I've said it before and ill say it again. Didnt everyone say that carmichael leaving honda would hurt his chances, and it never did. I dont think that dungey should leave suzuki but u just never know, he might pull a carmichael, cant wait to find out.
GO USA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1
Dungey is a good rider and I think he got better this year! The 350 project here in US wasn't successful so far, ok Alessi and Short are not RD but I remember that Short las years was a top 5 guys in SX n' MX and Alessi was having a terrible season this year and then he ask to be switch to the 450 and after that he start being a top 8 guys. Again we are talking about one of the best guys in the US but I don't think that his rading the KTM-350 will have the result that he has with the Suzuki 450. We already have a really good season this year but if some guys like Canard can stay healthy or maybe Barcia moving to the 450 class next season promise to be another good one. Good luck for everyone ...
Hey YZF sean........ You proved so many people wrong. Your boy is golden on a MX track. Just think if he didn't run outa gas at freestone? or get his chain derailed by Ice'Trey in SX. this was the best season i've seen in a while. Cant believe Dunge is leaving suzuki. why??? is it confirmed KTM
@BillC How cool. didn't know exactly where you were, but Ct. wow, you guys get killer snow for sure! And you know which brand of sled to ride. I've been a ski-doo man since 1982 and except for my 2003 rev, I've had unbelieveable luck with them. Lotsa hard miles and they outperformed Timex and the energizer bunny! I have a TNT. Under 400 lbs. and over 100 hp love the combo. Gotta admit I've been eyeing the 800"s but man, I get into plenty of trouble with a 600! I'm one who likes life on the edge-no studs for me-to slow down I use the Bucky Scrub-get on the brake a bit, then put in a big slide! Also, love to turn corners WFO sideways throwin' a big roost. Gettin' the itch, just chattin with you about it. Stay in touch on this subject. We may need to trade more sleddin' experiences. Later. (E-TEC=gas mileage) you are thinkin!
It took 13 hours, but a reality show rider who isn't mentioned in the article, and didn't participate in this series, is mentioned in a comment here. Way to stay on topic.
BillC, get a life
bucky394.............800 E-TEC = HP ... Thats what I was thinkin :-) LOL
. Been on Doo sence 1991, Was raceing MX still at the time when I got into sled more seriously that year ( been riding sence I was 3 or 4 on dads lap)....buddys who never raced anything but sleded a lot thought I was crazy how I rode. They soon changed there riding style to keep up LOL. Sounds like you ride the same way. I do stud mine but not as many as i use to because I can slid it more this way and don't care about the lake raceing as much anymore. My new sled should be in soon I hope. getting the itch as well. need to stud it and clutch it :)
motocross7422... sounds like you need to get a life, I have a great one on here chatting with good people and in the real world I have lots of great friends and a great fam. You on the other hand seem to need some type of help.
OrganDoner thats not the old YZSEAN... Dungy rules guy.
Villopoto and Dungey are class acts and exactly what this sport needs . You add Canard , Metcalf , Windham , to this list plus many more up and comers and you have a very bright future for the sport. we can all ride and speculate on the what ifs and thats fine , but the bottom line is we need them and they need us . so lets not bag on any of them, but commend them all for the a job well done !!!!!!
I hate that Dungey is leaving Suzuki but KTM has quietly been putting together a team to make a run at a championship. With "The Man" as the leader and picking up Dungey they have put a really successful team back together. I agree with MXBob that it's 90% talent and you factor Mr. Decoster in the mix all that is left to do is make the KTM turn the way Dungey likes a bike to handle and they should be on the podium. I just hope they keep Short(29) and put him on a 450 he is in a contract year has anyone heard any info on who KTM is keeping or cutting.
I hate that Dungey is leaving Suzuki but KTM has quietly been putting together a team to make a run at a championship. With "The Man" as the leader and picking up Dungey they have put a really successful team back together. I agree with MXBob that it's 90% talent and you factor Mr. Decoster in the mix all that is left to do is make the KTM turn the way Dungey likes a bike to handle and they should be on the podium. I just hope they keep Short(29) and put him on a 450 he is in a contract year has anyone heard any info on who KTM is keeping or cutting.
BillC Yes E-TEC= HP And I have always said straight line racing is for people or sleds that can't turn. Let's go ride through the woods! I had a 91 formula Plus X. That season was cut short due to the lady that didn't know what side of the trail to be on when cresting a hill. Can still remember doing somersaults through the air. The clutches were touching when it was all done and I had a couples weeks off work from minor injuries. Is there a sledding forum somewhere that is like this where you visit? Seems strange to come on here and talk sleds. Wouldn't want to pi$$ anyone off. I would however like to have a way to let MOST everyone here go for a ride and check it out. I use much of the stuff I learned racing moto on my sled. And think it would surprize a lot of people. Better get back to work. Someday I'll have to tell you about our warming shelter dubbed "The Skin Bin" we burn about 5 pickup loads of wood there a year. Snowmobile club funds and insures it and my friend and I volunteered to do all the upkeep. It's been fun and the guest book proves it's been a hit with the people that visit. I've seen the thermometer read 130 degrees in there one day. Later
All I can say is what a good sportsman Dungy's is and he should be proud of himself he never gave up the fight.
BillC your quit the motor head like I should talk Dirt bikes Street bikes just started on the sleds i'm still not very good but i'm getting there. I picked up a 05 articat firecat for my first sled i'll keep it one more year and hopefully upgrade.
I really wish people talk about JS7 along with the motox when he doesn't have the nuts to come out and play with the rest of the boys.
Great season congrats to RV to didn't want to leave him out. I've been to busy at work to keep up with the thread.
LOL JaminGeorge.... Don't even ask about my daily driver!!!
BilC Hope it's a muscle car
Muscle truck, 575hp 1100fpt :-)
Too funny!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I have to drive a Tacoma because it's slow, I lack self control even as I get older!
My street bike is a 79 Suzuki GS1000 It's jetted to the max.