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Supercross & Motocross
AMA MX: Dungey’s Due
Ryan Dungey is paving the way to a second AMA Motocross title but still has much to prove as far as his critics are concerned.
Red Bull/KTM's Ryan Dungey (Photo: Hoppenworld.com)
When Ryan Dungey won his first career national title as a professional back in 2009 to become the AMA Motocross 250 Class Champion, he was immediately tabbed a contender upon graduating to the 450 Class the following season. However, even as the most high-profile rider to move into the premier division in 2010, expectations were relatively modest for Dungey, who would be forced to go head-to-head against the likes of James Stewart, Chad Reed, and Ryan Villopoto.
Dungey left the industry in awe in his maiden race on the big bike, nearly outrunning Stewart at the Anaheim Supercross opener. The following weekend Dungey became a premier class winner as his more experienced rivals faltered. In the face of season-ending injuries to Stewart and Reed, Dungey assumed control of the division. He was then challenged heavily by Villopoto as the two resumed their undercard rivalry in the premier class, only to have that challenge come to an end with the most horrific crash of Villopoto’s young career.
Still standing when the dust had cleared, Dungey became just the second rider in history to win the premier class title as a rookie, joining 'The King' Jeremy McGrath.
Heading into outdoors, Dungey was the obvious favorite, but came up short at the opening round. A week later, however, he broke through for the overall and proceeded to go on a tear, amassing the most dominant rookie season in AMA Motocross history while becoming the first rider to ever win both 450cc titles -- indoors and out -- in his first year.
Despite this tremendous success, critics were hard on Dungey -- particularly fans of the sport. The consensus seemed to stem from the fact that Dungey was not forced to battle Stewart, Reed, and Villopoto all season long. Stewart wasn’t a presence in either championship, while Reed eventually bowed out of the Nationals despite returning at the start of the season, and Villopoto's injuries left him sidelined until the fall.
While Dungey made the most of his opportunity, the misfortune of his counterparts began to define his on-track success, despite not having any control of their fates.
Last season, Dungey was placed under the microscope. The “Big Three” were fully healthy, and the addition of Trey Canard to the premier class added even more depth. Simply put, Dungey would have his work cut out for him but also a prime opportunity to prove himself.
In Supercross, Dungey didn’t find the same level of success, but he was a consistent threat. A chain derailment early in the season forced him to come from behind all winter long. As “The Greatest Season of All Time” unfolded, Dungey grabbed only one victory and ultimately settled for third in the championship.
As the season moved outdoors, Dungey was still considered to be the favorite after his utter dominance the previous summer. Flanked by Reed and Villopoto, Dungey and his rivals waged war all summer long, trading victories throughout the campaign and establishing one of the most exciting seasons in recent memory. Dungey ended up claiming the most wins in the class, but running out of fuel while leading at the second round of the season prevented him from repeating as champion.
While the criticism of Dungey appeared to be justified in the eyes of many, the statistics showed that the pair of points-robbing incidents in both the Supercross and Motocross seasons were ultimately what stopped the Minnesota native from repeating as champion.
Dungey left the industry in awe in his maiden race on the big bike, nearly outrunning Stewart at the Anaheim Supercross opener. The following weekend Dungey became a premier class winner as his more experienced rivals faltered. In the face of season-ending injuries to Stewart and Reed, Dungey assumed control of the division. He was then challenged heavily by Villopoto as the two resumed their undercard rivalry in the premier class, only to have that challenge come to an end with the most horrific crash of Villopoto’s young career.
Still standing when the dust had cleared, Dungey became just the second rider in history to win the premier class title as a rookie, joining 'The King' Jeremy McGrath.
Heading into outdoors, Dungey was the obvious favorite, but came up short at the opening round. A week later, however, he broke through for the overall and proceeded to go on a tear, amassing the most dominant rookie season in AMA Motocross history while becoming the first rider to ever win both 450cc titles -- indoors and out -- in his first year.
Despite this tremendous success, critics were hard on Dungey -- particularly fans of the sport. The consensus seemed to stem from the fact that Dungey was not forced to battle Stewart, Reed, and Villopoto all season long. Stewart wasn’t a presence in either championship, while Reed eventually bowed out of the Nationals despite returning at the start of the season, and Villopoto's injuries left him sidelined until the fall.
While Dungey made the most of his opportunity, the misfortune of his counterparts began to define his on-track success, despite not having any control of their fates.
Last season, Dungey was placed under the microscope. The “Big Three” were fully healthy, and the addition of Trey Canard to the premier class added even more depth. Simply put, Dungey would have his work cut out for him but also a prime opportunity to prove himself.
In Supercross, Dungey didn’t find the same level of success, but he was a consistent threat. A chain derailment early in the season forced him to come from behind all winter long. As “The Greatest Season of All Time” unfolded, Dungey grabbed only one victory and ultimately settled for third in the championship.
As the season moved outdoors, Dungey was still considered to be the favorite after his utter dominance the previous summer. Flanked by Reed and Villopoto, Dungey and his rivals waged war all summer long, trading victories throughout the campaign and establishing one of the most exciting seasons in recent memory. Dungey ended up claiming the most wins in the class, but running out of fuel while leading at the second round of the season prevented him from repeating as champion.
While the criticism of Dungey appeared to be justified in the eyes of many, the statistics showed that the pair of points-robbing incidents in both the Supercross and Motocross seasons were ultimately what stopped the Minnesota native from repeating as champion.
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