Open Mic: Southwick
Monday, August 29, 2011 | 12:30 PM
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Ryan Dungey Rockstar Makita Suzuki 1-7 for 3rd overall in 450 Class
What happened before the second moto?
We had a little electronic problem. I really don’t know what it was, I haven’t asked much about it. It’s funny, the bike was running fine before I was ready to go out. I put my helmet on, took it off the stand, went to start it again and it didn’t fire. I ended up going down to the line to pick my gate, and they kicked me out of my gate when the bike didn’t show up. So I had to go down to the last gate pick, and I just waited, and then after the parade lap had taken off and everything, it was tough, I was just waiting. The race started, and I started walking back. I didn’t know what to think. We’ve worked so hard for this. Not even just myself, the team, my family, everyone, there’s so much that goes into this, and we don’t come out just to win races, but to win championships. Looking back on it now, I’m so happy to be able to sit here and say that we’re still in this. We’ve got two races left and we’re still right there.
Growing up as a kid, my parents told me don’t quit. As much as I wanted to take my helmet off and just chuck it somewhere, my mom said, “No, don’t do it.” I’m glad I didn’t because I was still ready to race when they got me the bike. And I can’t take all the credit. The whole team, it was the difference between starting the race and not racing in it at all. The Rockstar Makita Suzuki team, they have a great group of guys. Everyone, they made it work and we salvaged some points. If it wasn’t for them I wouldn’t have been out there.
"Looking back on it now, I’m so happy to be able to sit here and say that we’re still in this." -Ryan Dugney
Photo: Andrew Fredrickson
Did you feel the officials held the gate long enough?
I don’t know. I’m not really a guy who reads the rulebook, so I don’t know how it’s supposed to work. The toughest part was the fact that my bike wasn’t there and I was picking my gate, and I thought as long as I was there that was good enough, but my bike wasn’t there so they kicked me out of that gate. So I had to pick the last gate pick. From there I just had to sit and wait. It felt like a half hour went by. I told my mom, when we were walking back, I thought it was over. I was pissed off. I was. I didn’t know what to think. I didn’t want to lose it like that. One thing, the way I live my life, I like to think of it as a test. From the Man above. I had to believe in what I do, and everything I ever believed in, to believe it wasn’t going to end like that.
In the first moto you were out to a good lead early, then Villopoto was starting to come hard.
Yeah he was putting in a good charge, he picked it up late in the moto. I got caught up in a few lappers, and I think I backed my pace down a bit, and I didn’t realize it. I did a few 2:04s and he caught me a little bit, but then I did a 2:01, so I think I could have done a little more later in the moto. It was good to get maximum points and win that one.
With all that was going on in the second moto, how were you able to get focused and go race so well once the bike showed up?
That was the toughest part. I didn’t want to lose my temper and get riled up, because if my bike showed up I needed to be ready to race. But once the gate dropped, I thought it was over, so I kind of lost it. I admit it. You know, basically I saw Goose come over the hill with the bike. I had to flip the switch. I knew we had lapped up to ninth in the first moto, so I knew if I could just not get lapped I could score some points. Barcia wasn’t that far behind me and I knew I had to not get lapped. I was able to get away from him. It was crazy, I would have never thought I could get that far forward having started late. It was a lot to process, but I had to focus on riding. Win or lose this championship, it’s not because I didn’t give it my best effort.
Gareth Swanepoel DNA Shred Stix Star Racing Yamaha 3rd overall in 250 Class
Today actually marks the one-year anniversary of when I came over here and raced my first race with this team. I was looking forward to finally getting to race the tracks I had ridden before. And I grew up riding in the sand so I was looking forward to this one. Yeah, to go out and win that first moto was very special.
We heard your mechanic can shave his beard now?
(Laughs) I didn’t even start that bet. In Texas he had a pretty long beard and I rode pretty good there, almost made the podium. So they told him he can’t shave it until I get on the podium. I don’t think he thought it would take this long! So now I’m finally on the podium so he gets to shave it.
"It’s like everyone says, teams want to see you get on the podium or at least show the potential." - Gareth Swanepoel
Photo: Andrew Fredrickson
How about the second moto?
It’s always tough to put two motos together. I didn’t get quite as good of a start, but things were okay, I was top five and stuff, but then I went down. Once I lost sight of the leaders, it was hard to get it going like that again.
When you came over here a few years ago with Kawasaki in the 450 class, you had a good ride. Did you think it would be easier to get a ride here?
It’s always been a dream of mine to race in the U.S., but at that time I had a pretty good ride in Europe.
You were battling back and forth with Tyla in that first moto.
The first moto was pretty interesting. We had been joking all week, and I told him all week I was going to beat him. I had the holeshot, but I had actually overcooked my back brake a little bit, and I was struggling. He got past me, and I picked up on some of his lines and was able to keep him in sight a little bit. Then I don’t know what happened, I don’t quite know if he made a mistake, or if he had a bike problem, but I was able to get past him. So after that I actually thought it was Wilson behind me, until I saw a pit board that said it was Rattray. And I thought, “There’s no way I’m going to let him beat me!” I managed to hold him off. It was fun. We train together a lot during the week and we’re good friends.
You got your dream here to ride in the U.S., but you struggled in supercross. You’ve had some ups and downs here outdoors. Were you feeling some pressure in these last few races to keep this ride for next year?
Oh definitely. It’s like everyone says, teams want to see you get on the podium or at least show the potential. And with me not showing too well in supercross, it’s important for me to show something outdoors. I really want to stay here and keep racing, and also show that I can ride supercross. This race is definitely is a weight off of my shoulders, but we have two races left and if I can get at least one podium in those two races it will definitely make my situation a little better.
"I got the pitboard that said save the bike, don’t rev it. And I was like, “You’ve got to be kidding me right now.” - Dean Wilson
Photo: Andrew Fredrickson
Dean Wilson Monster Energy Pro Circuit Kawasaki 2nd Overall
We saw steam coming out of your bike in the second moto. Where you worried it wasn’t going to make it?
Second moto, I thought I had the holeshot and then Tyla snuck on the inside, and then [Alex] Martin got inside of both of us. Then Martin was gone! I don’t know what he drank before the moto but he had like eight seconds on us! Tyla rides really fast here and he went on to win. I eventually passed Martin to get into second, and then I got the pitboard that said save the bike, don’t rev it. And I was like, “You’ve got to be kidding me right now.” I just rode it at really low RPM and just milked it for like six laps. I was really glad to finish it.
This is a track where you need to think about your bike more than just speed, for sure. Twenty-two points is better than no points. And the PC team has had a bad history at this track for failures, so we finally broke that.
How about the points with just two races to go?
I don’t think there’s any point for me to settle down and think about that. I really want to win overalls. I definitely want to win more overalls. But I’m just not very good in the sand, so I’m happy with second.
You have said you don’t have much sand experience?
Yeah, I don’t really race on sand. In California, we have some sand tracks, but it’s nothing like here. Last year, I got fifth, and I was only a rookie so I shouldn’t be too disappointed, but I struggled a bit. This year I have been down at Chad (Reed’s) in Florida and that was one of the main reasons I went there, to learn sand. But we actually didn’t get to ride one of the gnarlier sand tracks because of the weather down there, it rained a lot. Riding down there helped a little bit, but I don’t really gel with sand, so I’ll take it.
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Wow that is a rough position to be in, at the gate and no bike. It's not always easy to be pissed off, not lose your cool, and try to to stay in control of the situation. Good on you Ryan for believing in yourself and never giving up!
Dungey is an amazing dude. It would have been the easiest thing in the world to say f$#@ it and not even ride. Even easier to pull off and say the the bike isn't right. Instead, he charges like a man possessed and somehow DOESN'T MAKE ANY MISTAKES while passing the field and turning faster lap times than the leader. I would have hoped on the bike, reved it to the moon, and yard saled in the first turn. A truly amazing ride and even more amazing display of courage and heart. This ain't over yet!
As for Deano, huge day in the points. The Flying Squirrel is in the drivers seat. He takes overalls at Steel City and Pala and has the #1 plate next year! GO DEANO!
Also, Emig and Weege do an amazing job in the booth. The enthusiasm and fun they have is infectious and it's a joy to listen to them call the races. Emig is a legend in the sport and is constantly downplaying his achievements. I guess all the titles speak for themselves. Weege is the wiz-kid of MX and does an amazing job in the booth and on the keyboard.
Only card carrying members of the Nocturnal Dirt People could find the time to talk s#% on these guys.
Keep up the good work guys and thanks!
Though luck is often a factor, The Southwick track & Hurricane Irene weather really provided several guys the opportunity to find a bit more within themselves for 30+2 x2.
Swanepoel was a huge success story. Well done!
Not that surprised with Rattray as he is just plain LaRocco-tough.
Nice job #28!
RD1 has more than some thought when it counts the most; this guy is determined and focused. Great ride in Moto 1 - EVEN BETTER RIDE IN MOTO 2!
Barcia is no fluke. JB17 looked like HURRICANE HANNAH in a rainy mud race in the second Moto. Arguably harder to win a race in those conditions than in dry sand or deep ruts alone. That kid is really exciting to watch. Another Moto win this year is completely possible.
Congrats to Metty too. A well earned OVERALL #24!
Tough luck for Reed. He most likely has no chance at the title but I hope he gets another Moto win somewhere.
Sh!t, has this been a great outdoor season or what!?!
RD.. Respect..so cool for not giving up.
jeff and weegee are top notch...just saying.. whos perfect.
Good ride for Dungey after all that drama.....He handled the situation (verbally) much better than he did with Barcia at Unadilla......I am not suprised he did what he did ....he charged the entire race and was in " get points" mode....Luckily for him, lots of folks were on a sunday stroll in the muddy wet conditions and many folks seemed to just let him go by.....I am glad he got points so there are no lame excuses....I figured RD and RV would be tight at the end with how the season ws going and it should be that way.....RV looked awesome in moto one as did RD....Moto 2 was just a mess and RD was in survival mode while RV played it safe.....too safe maybe but better than a DNF or a crash....Had it been a clear day...he may have swapped moto's with Dungey or maybe have gone 2-2 and lost points.....so here we go.....4 motos left and the two Ryans are close.
Rockstar Makita Suzuki Team Hauler..........$ 1,200,000.00
Factory 450 RMZ.......................................$ 60,000.00
Ryan Dungy Salary....................................$ 500,000.00
Goose's Salary..........................................$ 125,000.00
Ryan Dungy walking back and forth behind starting gate making two stroke noises.......................................................Priceless
RD's second moto was one of the most impressive rides of all time
Ride of the year for Dungey!!! What he did was amazing...Those are the types of rides that win championships. Maybe not this year...but lots of respect for him after this one. (and I am not a huge fan of Dungeys)
Ride of the year.... ???? Most Impressive of all time???? WTF have yall been smokin? From last to 7th is not bad HOWEVER..... Well over half the field dnf'd and left the door open for anyone (Dungey) to capitalize on their misfortune... Do that on a dry track and I might stop and think about the performance...
RD showed a lot of heart and a lot of control in the 2nd moto. Despite the hiccup (screwup!) he battened down the hatches and unleashed a great ride. I think it was RC who said you win championships on your bad days. While I know RD was hoping to pick up a few points on RV, to only lose 1 point despite this major obstacle is absolutely phenomenal.
While I'm rooting for RV to win this outdoor title, I have a new respect for RD and his game face. If you can hammer down and focus that well despite not having your bike at the gate of a national, he really is unflappable. The Barcia incident aside, I think RD is showing a lot of depth for his age. Maybe an influence from Roger or Ricky? Maybe it's his midwest roots.
All told, I think the momentum for this series may have just shifted from RV to RD. One thing is for sure, it really is great to have this many frontrunners, race winners and guys still in the hunt for the title.
Dungey killed it!! Podium after starting a lap behind? Anyone who can't recognize this guy's talent is blind!! Hope he takes the title again.
Although, his charge did remind me of that RV crash a couple races ago where RV came back through the pack, although I don't think he made up nearly as many positions, and in such nasty conditions.
Mr. monsoon don't know if you ride or not but mud riding sucks(wet weather)the other guys have to be in the race to win it, hince the chad reed saying"in it to win it"thats part of any competetive motorsport doesn't matter how you get beat man or machine being inadequate!!!!!! can't give up or you'll never win
Dungey did an awesome job, cant belive he can still hold his composure. He already has lost points from his moto in Texas, now this. It goes to show you all the new electric crap in the new bikes suck.
All the new crap that can go wrong with the new bikes. Clogged fuel filter--around 40 bucks; the experts say carry a spare---plugged injectors, with 60 psi in the system you cant unclog it once its clogged. MSRP is around 100 bucks; experts say carry a spare in your toolbox; sure--sensor failure; most common one is the throttle position sensor(like a crank position sensor in a car), around 100 bucks--they say carry one of these also. Its easy for the EXPERTS to spend my money for me, just dont put this crap on my bike. 2-strokes and carbeurators are just fine with me. I bet Dungey feels the same right now.
@monsson Mike, its easy to blow your hole like that, but Dungey rode awesome, You said alot of guys DNF'ed and helped Dungey. But didnt Dungey have to NOT DNF himself to get all the way to 7th?? And he did that going all out, as hard as he could ride, he might have gotten a little farther forward on a dry track, were he could have really hung it out.
@monsoon Mike - Thank You!... But, you forgot that some guys just pulled over for Dungey on the last 2 laps as well thinking he was lapping them. Not taking anything away, Dungey would have probably passed them anyway as he was on a mission....he had to be or his hopes for the title were done....It was a good ride and Dungey did what he needed to do to salvage points like a champion should...RV had to do it at Red Bud, Reed did at Milleville to an extent and now it was RD's turn to battle back....Dungey showed heart, grit, determination and whatever else you want to call it...Yes, he did indeed....That is one of the things I like about Dungey...He has shown that in the past and to be honest, if you want to win a title, you better have that determination.... I thought RV might have pushed harder for the overall....but it was a crazy day and Dungey did almost wreck a few times....just glad we have 4 more motos of hopefully dry conditions....
Wow! Here we go again! Dungey's had more bike problems than anyone else this year. He's certainly earning his Championship points! Too many bike problems for a professional team, Hmmmm...
Dungey has reservations about leaving Suzuki even though they have had some mechanical issues this season. His only choice other than yellow is orange. Orange knows this and is taking VERY dramatic steps (as corporate interest has been known to do) to sour RD's relationship with Suzuki. KTM has an insider on the zook payroll. That insider won't stay at Suzuki next year because he has sold out his team for his own financial gain. Believe it because it is exactly what is happening. Dungey is a warrior, champion, and a truly good person. He does not deserve to be in the position that he is in.
Behind every smart and nice kid is good parents, and Dungey is proof of that. Everybody bags on him for being a robot, but very few professional anythings have the class that he does. It's why I'm a fan....period.
First things first. Didn't Fro and Weege miss the start of the 450 Moto 2?
Let's take a trip down memory lane shall we? I believe it could be argued that RD1 was unable to defend his Supercross number one plate because of Suzuki. Two DNF's, zero points. One because the chain came off, two because of a cracked case.
Now Motocross, One DNF, zero points, ran out of fuel while leading. Two, nearly misses the start of Moto 2 at Southwick. I guess Suzuki really doesn't want him to defend his championship or sign a contract. I guess that's good because I don't think Suzuki deserves him. As much as I'd like to see Roger, Goose and Ryan together, I'm not sure the KTM is up to it. How about we replace Eric Kehoe at Honda with Roger DeCoster, bring Ryan and Goose over to replace Josh Grant (Junior Gangster) and pair Ryan and Trey up to dominate the remainder of the decade.
I am officially an RD believer. I've never seen so much heart in a MXer. This may sound like blaspheme, but he's gotta be the new K-dub crowd favorite, except with more hardware;)
What a ride for dungey! Watching him grab the bike from Goose and take off gave me chills. I knew he was going on a 35 minute mission like no other... Best ride I have ever seen.. People dont get it, he didnt start dead last, he started almost 2 minutes behind the drop of the gate in dead last. If he doesnt get this championship this year he has nothing to worry about, he will get plenty more in his career. I bet villopoto felt like a ducsh after he realized dungey charged back to a 7th and he only gained 1 point on the day. still a good ride for RV though.
@knucklehead. I think I saw you on the Iowa 6 0'clock news saying that you were abducted by aliens out of your cow pastures and they anal probed you to find out how the human brain works.
I have to say that before the supercross season started, RD was my least favorite of the big four (well maybe CR was my least favorite) mainly because I felt he had it easy since everyone was hurt last year but after seeing this kid get robbed from the supercross championship and more likely than not this outdoors championship as well...RD is now my favorite guy. He is more down to earth and humble than any other big time championship caliber rider than I've seen in since the early to mid 90s. Its got to be frustrating for RD knowing that the team keeps screwing up his championships, but he still has a good attitude about it.
@FroLives - Good to see a positive comment about Fro and Weege. They do a great job.
Tons of respect for Dungey for sticking by his team during the podium interview after the bike issue. He's an amazing rider and an ambassador for the sport.
I'm still rooting for RV to win it, but wouldn't be disappointed one bit if Dungey takes it at the end. Also, was really happy for Metty last weekend... well deserved for a great rider.
Can't wait until Steel City! Praying it doesn't rain.
Interesting to see some Dungey haters from the stupidcross season on here tooting RD's horn. That was "THE" ride I've been waiting for from RD this year and it was "THEE" best ride I've seen this year (or a few years for that matter). Right on and way to dig deep Mr.Dungey! I'm proud to be a fan of such a fine upstanding midwestern young man and proud to point out his ethics and poise to my children. His parents can stand tall and walk proud knowing they have succeeded in grooming a champion of the people for the people.
RD5 #1 for MXON !
yeah, dungey is a really nice kid and fights hard. I hope there's still a few good battles ahead with him and Rv and both don't have any problems BUT that Rv holds on to win the championship so things are evened up before supercross starts. Barcia's an animal they'll eventually have to really tame before he rules the rooster tails!
Correct me if i'm wrong but if there is only 8 points separating RV from Dungey. And if there is only 3 points that separate 1st place from 2nd place finishes then RD would have to win at least 3 of the 4 motos left and get one 2nd place finish to win the title (even if RV gets 3- 2nd's and 1 first). Seems very likely especially after what he did at Southwick. Again, pleases correct me if my math is wrong.
Also what happened to Dungey starting almost 1 lap down (figuring it was over) riding like he had nothing to lose wherefore RV had everything to lose. Thats why RV rode so conservatively. If RD can keep the same train of thought (that he has nothing to lose when he really should have lost) I think he will win the championship.
What a true gentleman Dungey is. Always cool and in control, and never says a bad word about anyone. You´re my hero Ryan. I´ll be rootin for you at the MXON. I don´t think USA´ll win the nations though because Baugette will get eaten in France. They should have picked Barcia.
The frogs will take it, even with Marvelous Marvin and not CP in the team.. Remember, you heard it here first.
A true lesson in heart, courage, and never ever quit, to our youngsters, A true champ RD. Chickin lics 1977, won 1st moto by a minute, bike pukes after 30 sec board second moto, took off 1as the leaders were comming, wound up 3rd. Takes heart wtg ryan.
@Mike, we all know you are still hoping and dreaming. With you its "anybody but the USA", go away bigot!!
Your math is wrong.. That would make RV win by 2 points.. Dungey needs to win out if RV gets 2nd every race
RD1 you can do it!!!!
@ Monsoon Mike.......totally agree with you....
Let's be realistic here...
"not to take anything away from RD but lets put things in perspective people! He's faster than all but two or three people on the track....and in conditions like that he's a lot faster than the rest.....hell most of the slow guys were crashing, quitting or simply just going through the motions trying to keep their bike on two wheels.. RD's bike wasn't damaged, he wasn't damaged? He was mad and full of adrenaline and simply rode the way he can...
No one talks of RV earlier in the season when he took a dirt nap on the side of the track, got up, shook off the cob webs and jumped back on his mangled bike and rode his way all the way back to 9th.....plastic falling off, silencer falling off? And in good track conditions where even the slow guys are still pretty fast! "
I might be losing my mind here but I swear some of you have compared RD to the GOAT......????
@ JV212
RV made it all the way back to 9th on destroyed bike and on a fast track where guys weren't simply pulling off, crashing or quitting......Dungey hasn't done that yet...
@Monsoon Mike and Ripdown - There were PLENTY of people out here raving about RV's come-from-behind ride, but most of the posters have VERY short memories. Remember, two weeks ago Dungey was "a girl" to many of these people. As for the "ease" with which you guys seem to think Dungey came through this pack, remember that when Villo crashed earlier this season, he got up basically at the back of the pack - not nearly A FULL LAP DOWN. Also, while you think MOST of the riders were "going through the motions," isn't it true that nearly every mud race has a group of riders who OVER-perform because they're not as fast as the top guys, but they ARE good mud riders? I believe this is as much a reason why Metty and Brayton beat RV as that Villo was riding "conservatively." For him to go faster in those conditions (as Dungey did) would have been a huge gamble. As I said in earlier posts, I watched guys slip, swap, and crash hard right in front of me. (I got hit with their mud, and in one case, almost their bike.) Unless you were there, you don’t understand how treacherous the track was. TV never does that kind of thing justice. Most of us who have followed the sport for years (around 40 in my case) recognize that - all things considered - Dungey's ride in moto two Saturday was one for the ages.
Ripdown.... There, you made my point for me..... Thank YOU! RV's ride with the busted up Kawi was much more impressive if you look at what he had to overcome..... A few of Baggets rides..... THOSE were awsome..... Dungey.... eh NOT SO MUCH!
If they happen, mud races are the equlizer in any MX series. I can speak to that as a fact since I got the name Monsoon racing in the Pacific NW year round for 25 years..... I cant count the trophys, including a State Championship, that I earned by just staying up.... riding hard and watching the lesser riders fall, fail, or just quit when it got to ugly.......Waaaaaaa
I have many last place to first place stories from my mudders..... and I can tell ya the thrill of whoopin and hollerin during a mudder while your flying by downed and broken and flailing riders is a kick I wont soon forget.....
WATCH OUT THE MONSOON IS A COMMIN!!!!
knucklehead.....I have absolutely no idea who you know or what is accurate...but if your statements are true... inside sabotage... is extremely evil on so many levels, and also is a felony in many states....I personally, have never seen so many mechanical failures by one team in a single year....sure makes one suspicious
somewhere, somehow it's all true. The security around a factory bike is SUPPOSED to be very tight and it undoubtedly is very tight around the #1 machine.
@gman, that abduction thing wasn't in Iowa. It was South Dakota in 1864. Kind of weird
that you followed me all the way to the racerx web site. Who are you to say that anything other than a dollar is sacred? Look at YOUR JOB.
Sooo when they brought RD5 his bike after race had already started, was he required to start the race going through his picked gate?
Pizzacorner,
I thought the same thing until I watched the video of when he hopped on his bike from this RacerX site. He just took off and I could be wrong but Im pretty sure he didn't go through any of the gates...he just took off from the side, straight from where the loading dock is
Let's be clear on a very important point.
Ryan Villipoto's adversity has been self induced (ie mistakes and crashing).
Ryan Dungey's adversity has been to no fault of his own (mechanical interruption).