Rockstar Makita Suzuki’s Ryan Dungey Finishes Second at Vegas

May 9, 2011, 9:35am

LAS VEGAS, NV – Team Rockstar Makita Suzuki’s Ryan Dungey finished up the season strong by powering his Yoshimura-equipped Suzuki RM-Z450 to a second-place podium finish at the final round of the 2011 AMA/FIM Supercross Championship at Sam Boyd Stadium in Las Vegas, NV. Dungey rode a great race in front of a capacity crowd of 39,506 fans to cap off the most exciting supercross season in history.

Dungey and his RM-Z showed their strength all day, starting with scoring the third fastest lap in the afternoon timed practices. The reigning champion grabbed a second-place in his heat race, which resulted in the third best gate pick for the main event. In the main, Dungey’s RM-Z blasted him out of the gate to a solid start and into the front group. The Rockstar Makita Suzuki rider was able to work his way into third by lap six and kept pushing hard to eventually pass for second on lap 12. From there, Dungey had the capacity crowd on their feet as he and the frontrunner battled for the remaining eight laps. Dungey pushed hard on his Suzuki, catching the leader, but unfortunately was unable to make the pass and crossed the line in second. The reigning champion had a great year, claiming one win and 12 podiums and finishing third in the championship, just 10 points from the top spot.

"It was a good weekend,” said Dungey. “We got off to a good start with solid practices and I was able to get a second in my heat race, which gave me a good gate pick. I didn’t get that great of a start in the main, which is something I need to work on, but I was able to get up into second and got close to Chad (Reed), right up to his wheel, but I wasn’t able to get around him. A big thanks to my Rockstar Makita Suzuki team and my family. Without them and my great bike, I wouldn’t be able to be out here doing what I do. They are incredible. It was a long, tough season and I think we can learn a lot from it and apply it to the future and move forward and leave the past behind. The outdoor series is right around the corner and these next few weeks will be crucial to get ready and be in the best position to start the season.”

The Rockstar Makita Suzuki team’s next event is the first round of the 2011 AMA Pro Motocross Championship on Saturday, May 21st, at Hangtown in Sacramento, CA. You can meet Rockstar Makita Suzuki’s Ryan Dungey and Brett Metcalfe on Friday, May 20th, from 6 to 7 PM, at Professional Cycle Parts, 5800 Florin Road in Sacramento, CA.

Las Vegas Supercross Class Results:

1. Chad Reed

2. Ryan Dungey

3. Ryan Villopoto

4. Chris Blose

5. Andrew Short

6. Jake Weimer

7. Austin Stroupe

8. Nicholas Wey

9. Kyle Regal

10. Tye Simmonds

2011 Supercross Class Standings:

1. Ryan Villopoto – 338