Going for the W: Ryan Dungey
Thursday, February 23, 2012 | 9:45 AM
Bell Sports has been the preeminent designer and marketer of branded sports helmets and accessories for more than 50 years. More world champions have worn Bell Helmets than all other helmet brands combined. Bell helmets have played a vital role in protecting sportsmen and women for generations.
Tweet
Advertisement | Advertise with Us
Share
Comment
Email
Print
Ryan Dungey still wants to win and still wants to work. But, just for a moment, he wants to be happy with what he’s already done, instead of putting everything on how to win the next race.
After all, he and his new Red Bull KTM team are sitting second in the Monster Energy Supercross Championship, they’ve already won a race, and they’ve collected five podiums. It’s not a bad way to start this new venture, even if Ryan Villopoto has been winning all the races as of late.
“What we have is so cool because it’s so one of a kind, and every achievement we make is history,” said Dungey on Saturday night in Dallas. “So yeah, I want to win, but at the same time I have to look at things and how great these circumstances really are and how great we are really doing. There’s always that need, the desire, to keep getting better, to say, 'Oh if I just accomplish this I’ll feel complete.' But the truth is, you’re not going to accomplish everything and feel complete. You know, you have a five million dollar house, and then you’ll think of how great it would be to have a ten-million dollar house!”
Dungey took a big risk switching to KTM in what should be the prime of his career. So far, it has gone well, but even his short moment of reflection won’t let him get complacent.
“The bike suited me pretty quickly right off the bat, and I was actually really surprised. I really expected something completely different,” he says. “Although it was different just sitting on it, it wasn’t like 'Oh gosh this is way too far gone.' Every bike feels a little different. And the power was good, the motor was good, the suspension was good. Starting from that was good, but you know the speeds we are going nowadays, you have to keep improving. But that’s with anything in life. If you don’t keep improving, you’re going to be far behind.”
Dungey has accomplished a lot in his short time with KTM, but he's looking for more.
Photo: Simon Cudby
When Dungey jetted off with a holeshot and a win in Phoenix, and left holding a share of the points lead, it looked like all was well with the new team. But while the next few races have been good, a pair of fourths followed by a third and a second, they have not been as great. After Dallas, I asked Dungey about adapting to different tracks and obstacles each week. Other teams have mountains of old test and race data to sort through in search of the right changes. With a new program, Dungey’s team doesn’t have that luxury. Is that a problem?
“Yes and no,” he says. “It would be great to go back on this stuff, but at the same time, I think everyone is doing a great job considering this is a brand-new 450. Yes, maybe that’s a disadvantage to having a new bike, but at the same time, I’ve got guys, like Roger [DeCoster], who has taken teams to the number-one spot. I feel like if we have a problem, and we need to pin point it, we can do that. We have great guys, and we’re all thinking. Even if we win, we’ve got to keep an open mind and know we have to keep pushing. And I think that’s what has helped get this bike so far so fast—the people around it. That’s the thing when I signed with this team, I knew if anybody was going to be able to do it, it was these people. Before I signed my name on the dotted line, you know, you have to believe you’re going to be on the best bike out there.”
Hard to say Dungey’s bike is the best, but it clearly is competitive, and in this short amount of time, that’s an accomplishment. But it’s one Dungey is not going to rest on for long.
Did you like this article?
Check out ON TOUR
in our Latest issue of Racer X available now.
The Monster Energy Supercross tour is staffed by an intensely dedicated group of sponsors and support staffers. Here’s what life is like on the SX road. Page 136.
Look for the verified symbol 
Impulse Studios
Go Dungey!!! Minnesota !!!!!!!
About time someone talks about this. Good job JW.
This dude has such a great attitude. This interview was especially good because he seemed to give more than just the usual answers for every question. He definitely sees the bigger picture and not just race to race like the haters. Keep up the good work RD!
yea i agree, i feel like dungey is so underrated by all the media. is second in points not good enough for anyone? i hope dungey makes a clean sweep of sx and outdoors this year. the guy deserves it.
A for effort. Dungey is one of the hardest working, most dedicated riders in the sport along with Ryan Villopoto. However, Going for the "W" isn't realistic. The only two riders straight up on a Saturday to win it are Villopoto and Reed, and unfortunately Reed is out. Stewart has the speed, but lacks the discipline and heart to be a champion again. With Reed out, this is Villopotto's game and no one can touch him. Dungey always will podium and will be close to the end, but only will get W's when something happens to Villopoto, Reed (out) or Stewart (lacks heart and desire).
Sounds good, looking at the big pic, But almost sounds a little bit like he knows he is not there yet and excepts it whitch is why you will not see him wadded up going for a win. I said before the season they will need the better part of the year to get dieled, They had Moutains to climb and they are doing VERY well so far and I am not surprised at all. They should have some good info by the time the nats start but still will have a bit of an up hill fight. They will be very strong in 2013 with a year under there belt.
with RV still in the hunt, might be better titled "going for the G"
G stands for gift
i think he will be a solid second place finisher from here on out, save for the occasional gift from RV
i know this sounds condescending, but I am actually super-duper impressed with what he's been able to do so far with the new KTM, but i gotta be realistic
Dungey will stay on 2 wheels, the bike will get better and RV will end up on the ground a few times. he's right there.
So when is that thing going to get a modern frame. Or is it going to take them years to see the light on that like it did the "fad' of linkage suspension?
731---a modern frame, really? I've seen spy shots of KTM testing aluminum frames. There's no real advantage. Going to linkage was pretty much a marketing decision. If you know anything about how the PDS and linkage systems work you'll know that if they're set up right they both work fine.
There is nothing wrong with a steel frame.I would perfer it.Not that that means anything.
Good starts make all the difference. RV struggled early in the season and had to work his butt off to make podiums. Now RD is doing the race trough the pack thing. Plus RV has a teammate to slow Dungey. KTM should invest in a least a support team for bike development and allies on the track.
Seriously guys.....I like Dungey a lot but lets face it. He's where he would be no matter what bike he's on. Ya you can pick out some areas where the KTM could be better ( whoops ) .....but he's already matched his win total from last year and he's only 13 pts back. Reality is SX isn't conducive to his style. Give him two 30+2 outdoor races where he can simply outlast guys and he'll always be a factor. Inside he simply isn't aggressive enough!
Everyone points to RV getting the 2012 bike which was sooo much better that it turned his season around? Well if the new KX is sooooo different than the old one then I would suggest they're on equal footing with RD and JS as far as bike development goes. This is the first time they've raced the all new KX in SX therefore all their previous settings are irrelevant are they not???
All I'm saying is they've all been on their bikes long enough to be comfortable....RD was a little off the pace of RV, Reed and JS last year. And Stewart simply doesn't look interested......if he can't be up front early he won't be a factor.. Just my opinion.
P.S.....keep hearing from guys how RV will put it on the ground soon like he's the second coming of Stewart???
The guy did manage to keep his bike up long enough last year to win everything there is to win if I recall correctly??
This makes Stewarts situation look so silly and just shows Stewart playing the blame anything but the rider game.
I say great job RD, you are doing a fine job on a Brand New bike from the ground up with no EXCUSES.
Get well CR22 we need you back !!!
Good stuff. Hope to see you at the front this weekend RD!
I am a RV fan, but the total lack of respect some of you have for the other riders gets to me sometimes. Yes RV is faster most of the time but I believe that if RV has a midpack start and RD holeshots he could win. He already has this year and a 13 point lead is not very secure at this point in the season. There have been 4 guys that have "straight up" won this year and now there are 3 likely winners at each race. I will add that weimer will do nothing but improve I wouldn't be real suprised if he snagged a win this year. If RV ran away with it I would be happy BUT we cannot count out JS either, he knows how and is not finished and just might figure things out.
I guarantee RD will only get better this year
@allthetruth
uh, you didn't watch js7 run away from cr22 and rv1 did you?
he is still in it to win it...
RD is a few clicks off...gonna locomotive his way to the points lead...
KTM and Dungey had their day in the sun celebrating the one win in big time fashion like it was the championship. All you pipe dreamings keep up hoping RV will crash so your favorite ride can back in. RV has it sewed up, its Billy Ball Game, the fat lady is singing in the pits.
While RV's 10 to 25 second leads may be boring for some of you, it is perfect for my taste as it reminds me of those fond RC days. RV is as close to RC as any rider in history so enjoy his immense talent while you can, they don't pass this way often.
The Locomotive is going to keep rolling, getting stronger along the way, he knows there is still along way to go. The two Ryans race differantly, to achieve the same goal, Ryan 2 will push harder and take more chance to win than Ryan 5, Ryan 2 atacks the track, Ryan 5 lets the race come to him more. Before RV switched to the 12 he was struggling a bit, he knew the 12 was better just driving it on asphalt to the track, now the Firecracker feels unstopable on it ..Funny how such alittle change can make such a big differance.... Dungey and KTM will hit that sweet spot, make take a while or it may happen this week...In my opinion as I have said before ...the main differance in the 2 R's is the 2 C's.. Comfort and Confidence...who ever has the most CC's will be the faster.....Glad they are both such nice guys, dont know how you can say any thing bad about either one of these two riders as they show each other alot of respect on and off the track..
Dunge we need ya! win this dang title!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! GO 5 !!!!!
Before the season there were a lot of phrases such as "He'll never win again" and "He may podium once or twice" were flying around. Now the main talking point is that "He is not as fast as RV". In a way, he's even made progress, as measured by the criticisms here, also.
I'm always thankful that the riders are way more respectful of each other than the vocal minority of their so-called fans are. Otherwise, the general public would think everyone in the sport is an a@#-hole.
Excellent interview Jason and Ryan. Stick with the plan, and continue to bring KTM to places it has never been before.
@ripdown.......i think you nailed it. @2oldstrokes the PDS is the same as two shocks (i've ridden twin Ohlins that work just as good) it just uses one big shock. It puts a hard load on the shock and depends on lever ratio to do most of the work where as the link is much easier on the shock and the link can be changed to control rising rates. The PDS works excellent for trail or cross coumtry or 95% of us but these SX guys aren't us or normal and need what the link has to offer (ask Mcgrath). I watched RD go across monstrous whoops at Washougal on the championship winning Suzuki (thats sit in a shed somewhere...sad) FLAT OUT.....the KTM is not to that level .....YET.... RD is still in it ...doin all he can do..he could still win.... ..his biggest problem isn't the KTM it's green with a big one on it and a new sheriff that ain't scarred of NO ONE.
halfe316 - please - Stewart's best lap time last week was 5th fastest. Yes, when he wants to compete he has the ability, but face it, he doesn't have the heart anymore. When in any other year (maybe last year) did you ever see Stewart running 5th fastest in a 20 lap main...lets be serious here. There's no excuse for him with the money he is making and the team he has behind him that he should be performing at the level he has in 2012 thus far. I'm sure the Gibb's were and are expecting much more. I suppose if the top riders such as Reed & Canard (injured) keep getting hurt Stewart will find his way back to the top due to top riders being on the sidelines. Stewart only had "ONE" race this year where he rode to his ability.
I like RD, but like everyone else is saying here, he probably won't win the championship unless something happens to RV. But you never know, this sport is so unpredictable, RD could find that extra click or two that he needs to run with RV.
@halfe316 has to make this thread about Stewart, typical hater.. I am glad it was pointed out that he is on a brand new 450, and a brand new type of bike also. He is the one who has to get a new ride dialed in. I definatley think if Dungey gets a start he can run up front. All it takes in this deep field is RV to get a bad start and Dungey to get a good one. Guys act like this guy sucks and is stinking up the place and he is 2nd in points..
@allthetruth You keep saying JS has no heart .... you must not be watching the racing i am , because pretty sure i have seen him come back from some serious wrecks , and go balls crazy ! Joe Gibbs knew James deal , they are happy for sure ! you make no sense
Preston - Praise Stewart all you want, but the truth is in his results this year and watching him ride. Full praise goes out to Dungey, REED (the man) & Villopotto...Guys that bring it week in and week out. Stewart supporters, save it for his site (no one else cares).
Preston is not wrong......Stewart is getting the JGR just as much press in losing the way he is as he would be if he was winning every week! Would they prefer to be winning? Of course.......but the publicity machine is at full throttle either way!
Orange will rise to the top- just wait and see.
I am a NW guy and RV and JW are the guys I pull for. That said...
I only have 1 (just 1!) race saved on my DVR these days. Steel City 2011.
RD and RV put on a show that will be hard to believe can be matched. RV's pass on the last corner was unbelievable.
Watching it again (10 times at least) I am also struck at just how amazing RD is.
He deserves better than what many folks in these posts give!!
He is so smooth as to make it look like he is not trying or working hard to accomplish (same can be said for KW, right?).
Yes, I think RV has that x factor, that something extra...that should in no way be a negative reflection on RD. He too is a champion and a great voice for our sport.
just sayn' maybe folks could cut him a little slack.
The steel frame is an advantage. It is a misconception that aluminum frames are lighter than steel, they are not. Aluminum is not as strong as steel and so more material is used to achieve comparable strength. Aluminum frames came from road racing bikes and started showing up on motocross bikes because they were desirable from an almost entirely aesthetic point of view. They also resist rusting obviously, but pro's don't worry about such things. Aluminum frames are stiff and generally less forgiving in chop. A good steel frame, and KTM knows how to build the best IMO, is equally as light and a steel frame will flex for a more planted and plush ride. Aluminum looks prettier, but steel performs better.
I guess Dungey does not live in my neighborhood afterall
It would be good to see Dungey get another win. The kid has a great work ethic and a great riding style. It would be nice though to see him get a little more agressive. I can't see why, with all the years of technology that KTM can't come up with a good steel frame. We were told that aluminum frames were the way of the future, but I remember a time when people hated them. So hopefully Ryan and KTM will come up with a good match.
@fred, I am sure you love those steel frames, anything is better than the old wooden ones you used to ride on! ha ha
@Chosen--I dont think Alumunim frames are any better. They have gotten to the point now that the steel frames are lighter. And they offer more flex. Emig claims that helped Dungey in Pheonix get a win because of the hard and roughness of the track the bike worked better due to just that, frame flex. I'm not a fan of aluminim frames, to me they are too harsh. And I love the PDS linkless suspension off-road on my KTM, but love the Suzuki better my son rides on the track..
@ Open_Class, good post! I could not agree more with that race and Mr. Ryan Dungey. I see absolutely nothing, to not like about this kid!
Yes, we would all like to see him a little more agressive, don't hold your breathe but it looks like it may be coming in small doses right before our eyes. Meanwhile, though he has not been that agressive, he has also spent less time picking his bike up then any of the top guys for the last several years and thus remains injury free....KNOCK ON WOOD NOW!
I would also say RD is being smart about the agressive thing, if your going to start bumping and pushing. You may want to start with someone who you are normally in front of or can pass without too much of an issue. If you are going to pick a fight, you don't start by picking Broc Lesnar, you work your way up to that fight!
In SX, you are not going to see the Dunge try and park RV or JS7 unless provoked. I do believe he would have no qualms about retaliating but all these guys seem to show a huge level of respect these days. Must be due to the James/Chad carnage last year.
Outdoors, different story, I think Dungey may be more agressive first gate drop next year. After chasing and following Reed half a summer. The KTM may get him even better starts and if anything, JS7 needs to show Dungey respect outdoors, not the other way around. May be all for not however, because I fully expect an even stronger RV1 outdoors!,
Personally I think the shock and fork needs to say OHLINS and the KTM gets instantly better. Not a fan of the harsh WP after years of using them and getting on a bike with Ohlins or good Showas. I'm sure the stuff on #5's bike is from another planet.....the championship Zook that I admit to lusting over real bad (that sits in a shed somewhere....sad) is as much about geometry and motor (more hook-up than hit) as aluminum construction. Its about time for someone to drop the 15,000 dollar carbon framed bike anyway ,maybe on the the Ducati SX Desmo 446.V-twin....lol...I'm a RV guy but RD is only a few back and as we've just seen ,at hyperspeed anything can happen...and which no one including #5 is immune.
RV and RD are class acts!!! I tend to root for Dungey since I am from mid west, been to Millville a bunch and he is kinda the underdog right now... They both have great work ethic, talent off the charts, respect and they do see the big picture. Villopoto knows he is on top, he knows what Dungey is capable, Dungey knows Poto is The Champ, and what he has to do to get back there!! I still think its going to wire!!!!
Perhaps some of the "conversationalists" can explain why Villo also beat Dungey when Dungey was on a Suzuki. Was it the frame? Perhaps it could have been the suspension? LMAO!!!
i think many people are underestimating Dungey's speed and his efforts to ride more aggressively (Wiemer). Don't count Dungey out, because right now, in order to make this season interesting... In Dungey we trust.
There's 5 million dollar houses in Minnesota? huh...
I can only laugh about Dungey being where he would be on the Suzuki. Yes, he would still not be winning but he would be FAR closer to the lead than he has been. The same argument had been used with Alessi but you can SEE the difference in Alessi, just as you can SEE Dungey doesn't look as comfortable. I know everyone thinks he will light it up outdoors, but I think he will continue to struggle. By struggle, he will still likely get 2nd place more often than not but I don't see him giving RV any more of a battle than he has been in SX. That is where people go astray, he will get 2nd place on the KTM just like Suzuki, but he will be 20 seconds backs, not battling for moto wins every week. That doesn't mean he is doing just as well on the bike. Again, I doubt he was looking at all this history and challenge stuff when he signed. I think it is one hell of a challenge to try to beat RV and having the best possible weapon would be advised. And people that comment on how KTM can change the bike real quick, no they can't. The bike is homologated as it is and can't be changed until they homologate the 2013. I agree again with BillC, it will take the year to figure the KTM out if he ever does. Nobody thought he wouldn't podium, nobody thought he would get lapped, but some did think he would be taking a step back and if you're honest you can see he has. It will show in the outdoors when he is regularly way behind RV and then we can compare it to where he was last year. Commendable that he decided to give the KTM a chance, but ill-advised.
Dungey will only ever do as well as the man above lets him. Plain and simple.
How about this scenario? RV's contract with Kawasaki expires and he signs with KTM? Think they'll win their coveted championship then? I do. And the way RV rides a 250 he may just be the guy to bring their 350 to the promised land.
I've had over 35 yrs on Japanese bikes. Still own a sweet Zook but my KTM is the best I've had!
@Ripdown, I agree about the KTM.. My son has a CRF250R, and I really like the suspension, it handles jumps great, and square edged bumps and things like that. And I had a Kawi in the past for myself. We still have a 125 Yamaha I will never part with. And a Suzuki 250 here also. But my favorite is my personnal bike. A KTM 200 2-Stroke. Its the most dependable bike we have, and it has perfect power for my single track trails I ride. Love it..
But I'm not sure about the 350 racing here in the States. It just isnt going to get it done. Roger Decoster said you cant put a 450 rider on a 350 and expect him to do well, you are better off putting a 250 rider on it. Because that is how you have to ride the bike. We have some serious hills and elevations on some of our National tracks, the 350 just isnt going to win here.. But I would love to have one..
@bd200
I agree with you that the 350 is best suited for a 250 rider. That's why I think if anyone could make it work against the big boys it's RV....that guy was an animal on the 250......100cc of extra boost on basically the same platform??? I'd love to see it.
@SpottedMarley
So Dungey isn't winning because God doesn't want him to? I am all about God's will and there being a natural flow to life but God dictating results in motocross... no.
All this talk of the guy that is better than RD, or the gifts that RD will get when the fast rider falls.
That is only half the story folks. How about looking at it this way?
RD (The Locomotive if you will) is known for great speed and even greater consistency. That sets a bar that anyone else has to be able to get over in order to win a championship (not just individual races). They need greater speed, and comparable consistency.
Were JS has always been a definition of speed, he has not been one of consistency. So his bar was set at have close or comparible speed but better consistency. Hence his not getting any titles that last couple of years (or this one?).
Now time will tell if RV is setting a new bar, one of incrementally better speed AND the same high level of consistency.
A winner or a champion in some respect is measured by his competitors.
People should not disrespect RD's titles. All the players where in the game to start, and they did not make it to the end because they could not get over the bar that RD set. Speed AND consistency.
RV's titles last year where gutted out down the stretch and this may introduce a new elemant to the bar. Speed, consistency, and...let's call it mental toughness.
Steel City 2011 is larger than just that single race. It may have been the "moment" a new bar was established.
I agree with Ripdown about the bike. I think Dungey is just as fast now as he was last year. I think with RV finally being able to put in a full outdoor season and come into this season healthy and the new bike he is just much better and faster this year then last year. And people keep talking about him crashing, it might happen but as of right now RV is the most consistent this year only finishing off the podium once. San Diego Dungey had a good start ahead of RV and Reed but at the end of the race he was 22 seconds back. And yes he struggled in the whoops but not bad enough to loose 22 seconds.
@731Chopper that was just a bad joke poking fun at Dungey's tendency to thank "the man above" in all of his podium interviews. God actually doesn't exists and has nothing to do with race results. We all know that