Red Bull/KTM's Ryan Dungey (Photo: Hoppenworld.com)

It’s evident that Dungey is riding better than he has all season and possibly better than he has his entire career. The momentum has shifted and now Stewart is the one in pursuit mode. Hopefully this translates into an exciting second half of the championship where these two do battle each and every week once again.

Adding to the intrigue of the rivalry, Dungey and Stewart are now tied on the all-time wins list at 18 apiece, joining Kent Howerton in fourth. There’s definitely some pride associated with this, so perhaps the desire to pass one another will add to the competition on the track.

Since starting off entirely unpredictably, the 250 Class is slowly starting to be Blake Baggett’s championship to lose. The Pro Circuit runner raced to this third win of the season at RedBud and while the standings are still close at the top along where he's joined by Justin Barcia, Eli Tomac and Ken Roczen, the Kawasaki rider is building momentum.

Perhaps what makes Baggett’s status as the rider to beat feel so solid is the way he’s gone about winning. His starts haven’t been as strong as he would hope, but Baggett is finding a way to claw up through the field, no matter who’s in front of him. He’s showing no fear of twisting the throttle as much as is required and it's making for some thrilling rides. Baggett is earning his success, beating the best the division has to offer.

As for the remaining three riders, it's time they step up and stop the wave Baggett’s building up before the deficit grows too big. Barcia and Tomac have already proven they have what it takes to win and until Baggett increases the consistency of his starts, they both have the chance to take advantage.

As for Roczen, RedBud was his worst effort of the 2012 season, marking the first time this summer that he didn’t finish on the overall podium. While he was in the hunt all day long, Roczen ended up losing ground in the championship. One has to think it’s only a matter of time before the German rookie finally breaks through for a win.

Six rounds down and six rounds to go in 2012. The championship leaders are beginning to assert themselves, but there are plenty of challengers with much to prove behind them. We’ll see if Stewart can reclaim the top spot in the 450 Class, while Barcia, Tomac and Roczen will have Baggett in their sights from here on out.