Last night, Red Bull KTM’s Ryan Dungey became the first motocross/supercross racer to win an ESPY for Best Action Sports Male Athlete. Dungey won the award over X Games SnoCross gold medalist Tucker Hibbert, skateboarder Nyjah Huston, snowboarder Mark McMorris and freestyle motocross rider Josh Sheehan.
“Wow! Just found out we won the ESPY for "Best Male Action Sports Athlete"! It's a very exciting day for the Sport of Motocross/Supercross and how far we have come to achieve this award! Without a doubt wouldn't have been possible with out my wife and family, friends, sponsors and most importantly you fans. Thank you all for you support, love, and votes, and everyone who had a part in making this dream come true, So very Thankful and Blessed,” Dungey wrote on Instagram.
Dungey is the first athlete not named Nyjah Huston or Shaun White to win the award since 2007. The win for Dungey was something of an upset, as Huston had won the award in consecutive years and was considered a favorite again this year after winning X Games gold in June and also the 2014 Street League Championship. The award is based on fan voting and Huston’s social media presence—3 million followers between Facebook and Instagram—was expected to carry him to a third consecutive award.
Travis Pastrana was the only other motorcyclist to win the award back in 2007 when he was recognized for his double backflip in 2006 and winning three gold medals at X Games in Moto X Best Trick, Moto X Freestyle, and Rally Car Racing.
The ESPYS, created by ESPN in 1993, recognize sports-related achievements.
