Monday Conversation: Ryan Dungey
Monday, July 23, 2012 | 10:40 AM
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PrintAt Washougal, Red Bull KTM's Ryan Dungey scored another win--his sixth straight--but there was a much bigger challenge at this race than any of the previous five. Mike Alessi managed to beat Dungey in moto one, but Dungey came back to get moto two. He talked about his day, and other topics, after the race.
Racer X: You were battling Mike Alessi hard in the first moto, then you went down. How was that race for you?
Ryan Dungey: I went down there and tried to make an attempt, but I think it was good, overall. I had a little streak going there which was really good. I was really happy about that, but, at the end of the day, winning every moto doesn't get the job done. Well, it gets the job done, but more importantly it's [about] the championship. It was a tough race. I tried everything I could. He [Mike Alessi] rode a great race and I’ve got to give him credit.
Racer X: Prior to this, you won 10 motos in a row. Obviously, you don’t want to lose. But, mentally, is it good for you to have those battles sometimes?
Yeah. Yes and no. I think, if anything, it was a nice little kick of motivation to go out there and work harder. Second moto went a little better. I got off to a good start and was able to pull away. But it’s good. Anytime you can do something like that, I think we really had everyone going. From the fans here to on TV, it’s good for the sport. These guys are good riders. Me winning the last motos that I have is great, but you can’t ever underestimate these guys because, just like today, they can go out there and lay it down.
Ryan Dungey used a second moto win to take the overall at Washougal.
Carl Stone photo
A lot of riders say that this is a track that you really can’t override because of the bumps, the shadows and it’s slicker than it looks. Do you have to be concerned with portions of the track?
Yeah, absolutely. You definitely can’t go at it like Millville, for example. You definitely have to be patient. It seems like the more you take your time, the faster you go, and the harder you try, the slower you go. That’s why this track is really tough. I feel like it suits me a little bit, a riding style like that and I got my first win here. It’s a track where your rear end will come right out from under you if you're not careful, it’s that slippery. Second moto, it was, at least. It’s definitely tough.
That’s five in a row for you here. So what’s the deal with you winning Washougal?
I don’t know! Washougal has been great. In 2008, I was able to get my very first outdoor win. It’s kind of amazing that was already that long ago. Every time we come back here, it’s a lot of fun and it’s nice to go five in a row. Each year it’s been treating me well and the fans have been treating me well, too. It’s a fun track. It kind of suits me a little bit. I enjoy it. But it makes it tough because line choice is really key, and you just really have to set the track up. You have to make it flow. You can’t go straight into some things.
Did I hear that, with you linking up to Red Bull this year through KTM, that you started working with some of Red Bull's trainers in the off-season. I heard you learned some stuff about your diet?
Yeah, starting with Red Bull last year in the off-season, they have a couple of really solid personal trainers there. They go really in depth. I’ve always really kind of wanted to see that part of it and I have this year with them. Anywhere from blood tests to see where everything’s at – your levels – to what you’re allergic to food-wise and stuff. At this level, it’s the little stuff. The guys are awesome. They came from the US Ski Team, which they dominated over there as well. To work with guys like that and get a little insight on stuff and get to know your body a little better, it can’t hurt.
They worked with other athletes. What do they think about motocross, as far as the physical challenge that you have to go through?
This year it's new to them. This year I basically do what I do normally and they were doing all the monitoring and tests and stuff like that. It’s really new, but they’re really full bore ahead. They’re really looking forward to getting into it, even from their amateur riders to their professional. But once their able to get the tests and the monitoring and stuff, they can readjust, try different things, see what works and what doesn’t. Some things you're doing aren’t the greatest, some things you find out are. I think it’s all about learning for them right now and after a couple years of notes, they can do more and try to make plans with a rider to get healthy, for the rider to get better physically wise and mentally, also.
Dungey celebrates another overall at Washougal.
Carl Stone photo
What was the difference in your mindset between that first moto and second moto? It seemed like you got an early lead and you weren’t giving it up.
It was the same mindset. I try to approach [each moto] the same, but it was just the start. That’s what a lot of it is and the second moto was a prime example of getting a start and being able to ride the track like you want to. It definitely makes it hard being shuffled back there. Getting the roost was unreal. It hurt and it stung. I was just able to get that start that second moto and wasn’t giving it up.
Going to Southwick, last year was a very emotional race for you. That was one of the greatest rides we’ve seen, someone blasting out on the track at the last minute and charging from the back. Going into that race, do you think about that and what happened last year?
Yes I do. Actually in my workout room, my brother built me a cabinet, and it has two things on it. There's a quote from Lance [Armstrong] on there, then it has that picture where my bike failed [last year at Southwick]. I look at it all the time and it’s definitely fuel for the fire. It hurt emotionally. It was hard to accept that. But through adversity, you learn. It’s a new year and new circumstances. The past is the past. You’ve just got to use it as motivation. I like Southwick. It’s a great track, sandy and hopefully it’s rough. We’ll test a little for that during the break and I look forward to the motos.
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This guy should run for President someday ---
Seriously though --- A Class Act
A real FAST class act
Villapoto, Reed, Stewie -- yeah they are fast also but if I'm putting together a team This is the guy I want representing me.
The relationship or partnership between Ryan— or team — and their coach {{Roger DeCoster } is one of the most crucial in terms of performance. I think that to achieve success at the very highest level you have to have a potential gold medal-winning athlete and a potential gold medal-winning coach. It has to be a true partnership.
@Over_the_Bars - completely agree with your last statement. Overall, Dungey is the real deal; a very intelligent, methodical racer... and is doing everything with his program right, including being an outstanding representative of the sport.
He was maybe a little tough regarding his comments on his bike breaking last year at Southwick. Could have happened on any brand. He earned several championships with Suzuki as it was the brand that brought him to where he is today. There has been many bike failures this year, including KTM's. At some point, his KTM will break as well. It's the simple law of probabilities.
It is amazing to me to hear a person getting comfortable in his own skin. That was the best interview he has given, and it gives you a glimpse past the plastic, high gloss Michael Schumacher persona he usually stands behind. He reveals a lot about what makes him move forward when he talks about the cabinet. I wonder when he took the photo of J-Law down?
Ryan is quite a warrior.
Did anyone else not get to see the 2nd 250 moto on Fuel,TV ? In my area they showed the 1st moto again on Sunday morning
Dungey is all the things above plus one other...he is a seriously fast M*&%^#$@$er..........
As a parent, I would like nothing more than my kids to carry themselves the way he does. As a fan, I have very little interest in watching him race w/out the other 4 players (2,7,22,41). Moto 1 was interesting, but once he holied moto 2 couldn't care less. BTW the kids have no interest in watching 450's w/just 5 there. Rather ride their bmx/dirt bikes or play outside. The product is plain boring! Now 250's, that is another story
It was a great interview which I think had a lot to do with the questions asked. I like hearing about the race but asking questions like Weigandt did about Dungey's training and last year's heart breaker at Southwick was awesome and got us into Dungey's world a little bit.
@McMoto....it came on, here in Az, at 8pm Sunday night.
Great interview, and, as stated by many above, a far greater insight into Ryan Dungey. @OW339...you seem to show some lack of respect for the remainder of the 450 pro racers with your statement. Just because they are not as fast as the two front runners, does not mean that they are not fast in their own right. I assume that your feelings about the "lack of interest" does not directly effect your childrens "lack of interest" and, the perceived mentality that it is only 1st place that matters, and that anyone else racing is a loser???!!!!!
Tough to be your kids growing up if indeed you are passing this attitude down to them either directly or indirectly.........just an observation based on your post.
A pro's pro, period.
They should have asked about his almost jumping into the crowd.
Looks as if Redbull is All in on KTM USA racing. Seems like Redbull is gettin serious about being an annual championship contender and are building a legacy program around Dungey.
OW339
Your a piece of Shit ..............Go back into your hole with those punk ass kids of yours take that TONEWALL ALSO HE CANT SPELL ITS M*ther F^cker @ssh*le
@TexMex....dude, thats alot of anger. I didn't read anything they wrote that would prompt that type of response. Any way, which part of Texas are you from???? I spent alot of time racing in the D-FW area, North Texas, and of course Lake Whitney, back in the 70's......
TexMex.
Who died and left you as God?
Grow up.
It's kind of funny, but in the past years we would always see Mitch and Roger (or Goose) during the TV coverage. I don't think I've seen either one of them once this season.
Thanks 70's racer, I must of had my AM /PM mixed up here in CO.
@McMoto - You said Fuel TV. Second motos are always on NBC Sports. Here in the East, it came on Sunday 11 pm.
Agreed that OW339's assessment was a bit narrow-minded, but come on, TexMex. The comment by SeventiesRacer was much more apropos.
@Over_The_Bars - Why would ANYBODY want to be president? The world's most thankless job.
Agree with all the comments about Dungey's class and ability. Some were bagging on him yesterday about not getting by Alessi. Nearly every significant pass Saturday was a bonzai maneuver. (BB passing JB in moto 2 comes to mind.) With a three-moto-plus lead over second in the series, why would Dungey want to do that? He tried, but he didn't go crazy. Maybe that's why he's still out there headed toward another championship. Just sayin'....
I meant to add that Washougal was a b!tch to pass on!
he should of asked about the non-hug. after the 1 st moto mike wanted to hug dungey. dungey thought a hand shake and a head nod was good enough. but no. mike wanted a full bro hug and threw his arms in the air many times after not getting the hug. mike was lucky. if it was hannah who just got 2nd and was tring to be hugged, well i will just end it there.
@tex mex (lilscrub jr.) i thought your response was funny...a little over the top ,but funny. Don't get to carried away with yourself though you might not like what you find when you stir the nest....@seventys ..your take on OW339 was SPOT on....lots of fast guys trying hard out there...OW jump out with 15th place and see just how fast hes really going.....
One word for TexMex..... Prozac
i think i peed myself a little watching everyone launch those 2 big drop offs.
Genuine and heartfelt congratulations to Mike and his family on a well deserved and hard fought win. And Dungey has apparently shown his true character with a totally incomprehensible lack of sportsmanship and astounding disrespect for Mike and all the fans that had to witness this incredibly immature and self-indulgence display.
@ Cajun58...... Funny that you are the only one that I have talked to that read Dungy's behavior that way. He just lost the race, he congratulated Mike and you want him to give Alessi a hand job or something?
If you want to talk about self-indulgence just look at the way Alessi expected to be given props like he had just won the championship.
Are you MIke's uncle or something? Obviously you are not looking at this in an objective way.
@cajun 50,
I cannot believe that you expect him to stoop to Alessi's level. Mike won a moto, not the overall. Dungey gave him a thumbs up and thats all it takes. He stopped and shook Mikes hand. Why should he hug him? Mike blocked well for the whole moto, end of story.
Cajun- what a dumbass thing to write
@ Stantdm: I concur. It was a moto win, for crying out loud. Regardless, if there was going to be any congratulatory hugging, it has to be initiated by the loser of the battle. What would Alessi have expected if he won the overall? Probably a kiss or something.
cajun....did mike go hug rd after the 2nd moto or any motos all season? thats what i thought.
As a successful pro, Dungey will most likely work harder on his passing skills and continue to improve. But there is nothing that can be done about the fact that Alessi beat him in one moto on a "privateer" bike.
Yeah........lets have RD go give lil mikey a hug after lil mikey tried to chopped RD's front wheel.
Coolhand- LOL - perfect point, MA was only wanting recognition and was begging for it. He did a fantastic job of blocking for 30 minutes and thats it. You don't see any of the real winners begging for a hug after blocking this shit out of their competitors. Can you imagine CR, RV, JS, RD, chasing the second place guy down and then wringing their hands when they won't make out with them ??
Rd should of t boned him after the race and did some wwe smack down on him and the old man
TexMex you sound like a threat to society. Are you on the FBI most wanted list?
speak for your self Smatrypants
TexMex that was stupid, you are going way overboard talking about someone children. If I know you I would kick your a_ _! Bit_h Made!
Cajun58 I must agree with you Ryan D. showed no class after the first moto ass kicking. Mike A. speaks nothing but good words about Ryan D and he acted like a Bit_h just like TexMex!
I can wait until JS7 returns then these tea baggers on RD, will have more stupid stuff to say about him next.
@ starplaya4life let me see your nappy head hoe at the Dem Convention...I'll put the oooooobama to ya stick with B BALL HOMIE
@BigUglyManiac Funny you mention Micheal, i have always thought that Ryan looks a lot like a young Schumi.
Some of you really crack me up. As usual, a lot of inexperienced, Amateur observations on this message board. It ain't over till it's over(all). A moto win is half the battle on the day.
After the Moto 1 checkered flag (well done #800), Alessi looked around at the crowd -after trying (practically begging) at least three times (via TV coverage) for more than a thumbs up and a "Good Job" comment from RD5. I can just imagine, if he was mic'd like an NFL player... hearing Alessi say, "Can you believe this guy? Why isn't he (Dungey) stopping to give me more props for the win? I WON!"
Really guys, are you kidding me? Absurd gesturing on Alessi's part after the checkers in Moto 1. It's racing, plain and simple. Complimentary behavior is optional. Some of you are over re-acting in a way too politically correct manner about Dungey. Since when do you need to give the competition any reason to think you're impressed by their performance?
If you don't think Dungey was pissed with loosing at that point, none of you have ever raced a close one, that hard, for 30+2, and lost. Alessi rode a fast race on a very w-i-d-e bike in Moto 1. Right now He's all about damage control for the many years of being a sore looser with a bad attitude and every excuse in the book for not getting it done.
Alessi's trying to rebuild a fan base and a following. Aside from all the 'in-it-to-win-it, experts about to sound off- even Mike & his Dad both know that if Villopoto, Reed, Stewart, Canard & Windham were on the gate, #800 would be fighting for 7th place in the standings at best.
Dungey may have only managed 2nd in Moto 1 but #5 wants to win a lot more than he cares about post-race politeness to a competitor -and he showed just that to everyone again in Moto 2. And then he gave some props to Alessi after he had the O/A... idiots.
@Preston
Poor guy, has no one to cheer for. Come Southwick you will be able to get back on the soap box and give us all the input on why you rider didn't break the top five overall. Depressed is an understatment...
TexMex, A INTERNET WARRIOR!
@MotoXscript - you have an opinion just like many others. You also have an opinion that many "amateurs" post on this site. Maybe so, but there are many posters on this site that are experienced racers and provide opinions that vary. I have raced many 30+ minute motos over my 25 years of racing. I can also say with confidence that you have never raced at Alessi's or Dungey's level. Mike was obviously very emotional after a long, hard-fought win; his first in over 3 years. What's wrong with that? Not saying it was typical, but who's to say how you would react in similar circumstances. No need to call other posters idiots just because you feel your opionion is more valid. And by the way, your posts would have more credibility if you used spell check. "Loosing"?? The actual word is "losing".
Regardless of how Alessi did it, he is one of only three riders who won a moto in the 450 class this year. The same statistic applies to the 250s.
And is Stew racing any of the final four rounds? What is the latest news RacerX?
Guys on here go on about MA as if he is some sort of role model. He might be just bearable now but come on who are kidding, guys a muppet at the best of times and I should imagine 90% of the pros dont even give the clown the time of day.
RD was pissed at both himself and MA, so he got what he got, which is a lot more than say JS, JG or JB would of given him, correct?
I am by no means a RD fan but the Alessi crew get all the crap they deserve, because of all the stupid stunts and dirty moves they have pulled over the years.
Yes MA rode good but you guys act like a bunch of onion peelers!
Superb spell-checking skills there, RacerMX264. Schooled again.
Just for the record though, I misspelled loser (not losing). What the hell is wrong with me (two o's when it should have been one) ? Very perceptive of you. Nicely done. You are the man. One of those, "nothing gets by you" types. Grinning from ear to ear by now, I hope. And deservedly so, I'm certain.
Maybe you'll soon share your own single digit professional moto wins and vulnerable post-race reactions too. That would be so killer of you!
Naaah. Save the emotions-on-your-sleeve speech for your family, pal. Not buying your argument. It's a weakness in this game and a piece of the puzzle regarding why Alessi has two moto wins since 2010 and Dungey is fourth on the all-time list. Not what champions show their competition. Don't care what you say.
When you win, let others come to you to congratulate or be congratulated for a hard fought race. You don't get real respect by seeking it out purposefully; you earn it. Alessi, arguably, earned it in moto 1, and in many peoples' opinions blew it after he crossed the finish line.
Alessi made himself look like a 'doof'. And I like rooting for a guy that's the underdog! It was reminiscent of what he did in 2010 at Hangtown when he strutted around and boasted on camera about his 2nd moto win as though he had taken the Overall that went to Chad REED that day.
Oh, by the way, did you catch that lil' factoid I slipped in there?
For the record, Mike Alessi won the 2nd moto at Hangtown on a KTM 350 in 2010... a little over 2 years ago. Saturday at washougal was not his first win in over 3 years, as you put it. If you're gonna' defend the guy at least get your stats right.
Wait..., ahhh d@mn it; forgot to capitalize Washougal.
Anyway, who's to say how I would react under similar circumstances. After all, in your confident opinion, I'm someone who has never raced at the level of an Alessi or a Dungey. But thanks for your hollowed contributions as both an historical fact guesser and an intellect. You rock, Buddy!
So, lets get to more of the good stuff you seem bent on busting my b@lls about. You're of the opinion that credibility goes out the window because of a typo, right? Well, that's interesting. Next time you might want to check your own prose before you shoot your mouth off. Your "because you feel your opionion is more valid" quote is, as they say in those MasterCard commercials, priceless. Please, tell us all, what exactly is an 'opionion' ?
While we're at it, does your scholarly brain have time to answer another question from the peanut gallery? We're all wondering if your credibility point is more emphatically expressed by using two question marks versus only one? Dude, that would be so awesome if it were so! But why stop there?? Why not three??? Or four????
More important than anything else though is the knowledge that because your lofty racing experience is, I'm confident in saying, just as true, accurate and mistake free as are your spelling & fact checking, we'll all be able to rest a little easier at night. You are a champion in your own mind, RacerMX264. Well played..., all of it. Just my opinion, I'm sure.
nice read...not too sure where he got the US team dominating info from...apart from Lindsey Vonn..who the heck could he be referring to? Downhill the Swiss boys have been cleaning it up pretty good :-)
I hear ya Preston!! RD IS a decent guy and deserves credit and respect, but geez, talk about "tards"........Dungtards for sure!!:):)
i watched the 2nd moto start several times and in slow mo. It looked like dungey came off the gate quick, realized he had at least a wheel on alessi, scooted over to his right, pinched off 800, roosted the sh!t out of him, grabbed the holeshot, and walked away. sweet move if it was intentional.
@MotoXscript, agree with your initial post. For anyone that races, love is not your first reaction when you don't win a moto. Especially if you have won two 250 Titles, are about to win your third 450 Title, and the guy you just lost a moto to has never won anything at the pro level and flipped you the bird at the last MEC race as you got by him.
I am pulling for Alessi and I appreciate his change toward fans. great attitude, classy podium speeches and Tony staying at least 5 miles from anyone holding what could even be considered a microphone. However, there is a lot of bad behavior in the past directed at the two Ryans which is not quickly forgotten or forgiven. If anyone missed those derogatory comments, watch the Great Outdoors series since Mike became a pro. Ouch, quite a PR nightmare..
"Rd acted just like the Robot he is , felt sorry for Mike , being dissed , @cajun I am with you on this , it was Rd showing his true colors , me me me ! ,,,,,,, RV ihas the same persona ! At least JS and MA have a good personality ! "
Now if this isn't the funniest thing I've ever read......the biggest JS superfan on the planet not approving of the sport's best role model's behaviour. What a joke. If you're going to run your mouth about behaviour and true colors you might not want to preach about JS all the time.
@JonR290 > Agree with you. I'm actually pulling for Alessi too, as I mentioned somewhere up above. I appreciate the apparent P.R. podium lessons he's taken since his Suzuki and KTM Factory days. No one like's a complainer who has excuses and rides the track from side to side when he can't gap the competition.
And- he is flat out going fast this year. Well done, with the non-factory ride no less. Glad Alessi is improving his game all around. Good that Dungey may have somebody to race with these last 4 Nationals.
Amazing though, how quickly people 'dis' on a 'Ryan Dungey' when he comes up one position short of the win and then just wants to get back to the truck to re-group, not have a chat with the competition and focus on winning moto 2.
@ Motoxscript.........and to add to your very last statement, who is ever happy pulling off the track behind a rider that's been holding them up by jumping and dodging across the track for 35 minutes? Just like being an a**hole in society isn't illegal, neither is riding like one in racing. But anyone who races at a competitive level knows how frustrating it is chasing a slower guy you beat 99% of the time around eating their roost while they dart around in desperation.
Apologies (to all Readers) for the earlier long-winded post.
@ Preston: Never said anything about MA800 should let RD5 go by.
You're as confused as your most recent double-talkingpost is enlightening. FYI: Not letting a faster guy past in motorsports is known as Blocking...
Look it up.
Could not agree more with MotoXscript or less with Preston, starplaya4life (what a gay name) or cajun58.
"'even Mike & his Dad both know that if Villopoto, Reed, Stewart, Canard & Windham were on the gate, #800 would be fighting for 7th place in the standings at best. '"
Alessi beat Reed all three times he raced him Outdoors on a 450- look it up. He lost to Villopoto the one and only time he ever raced him- Canard has never even raced him once yet- Alessi finished on the podium right behind Windham in his second pro race- And Alessi was on a privateer bike dont forget. Alessi has raced against Stewart more times than Dungey Canard Reed and Villopoto all put together. On ktm 350's him and Short struggled to make the top ten- now Alessi is running second as a privateer- and where is Short on his Factory Honda? Alessi hasn't acted like a Dick in many years but some people just cant let it go.
And usually when two guys battle wheel to wheel for the lead- they give each other some props for putting on a 'great show' for the crowd. Even Reed and Stewart have done it before .
Mike Alessi-most underrated rider of the modern era.
Note that I didnt include Alessi's 2010 season where he raced a 350 vs 450's- At Hangtown he was so overly excited because he beat 38 other riders who were on 450's, and Short who was on a 350. If thats enough to make you hate him you need some counseling.
@yzfsean yours sounds like the voice of experience so I'll leave that hand job decision up to you.
@MustardDog you seem like quite the expert on dumbass comments so I'll defer to you on that.
@ @yzfsean
Thats pingree Cajun 58 you dufuss
Cajun58: PLEASE! Mike is simply trying to change his image so he might get some factory support(and win a few fans) again and cling to his career. He needs to just go hug his mommy and daddy after he has been a human road block and steals a moto.
Preston: It is obvious that RD5 has become your worst nightmare. You should heed to the old saying, "if you can't beat them, join them". If you don't, you are not going to be a happy camper for the next several years because the Dunge ain't going nowhere. You seem bitter.....
By the way everyone, the "jumping into the crowd" incedent happened because little Mikey moved over a few feet off the jump. Go back and watch closely. Dungey's quick response is a great example of why he is one of the best ever.
@TexMex do you even understand what you wrote because I sure as hell don't.
@ Cajun58 He was trying to say you llook like David Pingree YOU Dufus !!
You do DUFUS !!!!
@9lives-Mr-Mx I don't have any idea what any of you people look like since your all hiding behind nonsense picture. D
@Cajun58
Are you a newbie here?
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