Open Mic 2: Dungey and Alessi Interviews
Tuesday, May 22, 2012 | 10:15 AM
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PrintFrom post-race press conference
Ryan Dungey, Red Bull KTM, 2nd in 450 class (3-2)
First moto, I didn’t get off to a great start, but we made up a lot of ground and got ourselves into third, and salvaged as much as we could. Second moto we got a better start and I was right there behind James [Stewart] most of the way. I tried to make a move, but we ended up running into a couple of lappers and lost a little bit of time, and he ran away with it. But obviously, first outdoor race on the KTM 450, it’s good to get a little guage and just build from here, really. I think this is a really good start.
There was a rhythm lane and we saw you use a bunch of different lines there, where James kept going to the outside line and doubling down it.
Yeah, that was my biggest struggle on the whole track. It was either inside double single, or outside triple. I did the triple one time and landed in a big rut, it just didn’t seem any faster. James was making up a lot of time on me there. I really feel like that was the biggest downfall there. You had to be really creative with line choice, and I watched some of the 250 moto on TV and found some new lines and put that to use in the second moto.
Did lappers play a factor?
Yeah I don’t know, I mean, he [James] has to deal with the same thing I do. He got around them and I did the best I could. It’s one of those things where sometimes it works out well for you and sometimes it works out bad for you. I think sometimes they need to pay more attention that there is a race coming to them from behind. It seems like it’s the same guys a lot of the time. But, no complaints and no excuses. It was a good race.
"No, I wasn’t pacing myself, we were going out and doing the best we could." - Ryan Dungey
Simon Cudby photo
Yeah, we had a good pace going. You either sit behind the guy and get roosted a lot, or you make the pass early. James is a tough competitor, he has a great history outdoors, so I look forward to racing him.
Were you pacing yourself behind him and waiting for something to happen?
No, I wasn’t pacing myself, we were going out and doing the best we could. It was more of a track where you kind of had to be patient in areas. It was bumpy and rough, and kind of that slow rough. I don’t sit there and hold back, for the main part I think we were going pretty good.
Mike Alessi, MotoConcepts, 3rd in 450 Class (7-3)
First moto, really, really struggled for sure with the bike setup. I wasn’t happy, didn’t get a good start and didn’t ride well at all. Second moto, we made some changes to the suspension, got the holeshot the second moto, and the bike was working exceptionally well. We still have some more changes to make. It’s funny, you do all this pre-season testing and you think you have a good setting, and you realize it’s good but you still have a long way to go. I’m glad we could come out swinging in that second moto and get a podium.
You do well at this track.
I think I just get along with the dirt well here, and the start, too.
Last year you had a big crash in practice. I know you try not to think of that stuff as a racer, but could you really block it out of your mind?
Yeah you try not to think about those things, but that crash was big, and it was running through the back of my mind every lap when I hit that jump. You know, I definitely didn’t want that to happen again.
"I think I just get along with the dirt well here, and the start, too." - Mike Alessi
Simon Cudby photo
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Just my observation, Dungeys bike was not set up right.. I watched his bike bounce, kick and jar him big time in the first moto ( It looked nervous and unpredictable ) It was a bit better looking in the second moto, but not as good as James bike was. Those Suzuki's look spot on.
If RD can get his bike set up better we will see him winning some of these out right. I dont think he is riding that bike at 100% the way it is now, I know he is holding back and cant put the big push on yet.
Where is B-KR?? RD is about the 10th guy that said the track was real rough!! But he thinks JS won cuz it was smooooooth and easy!!
Biker I agree 100% But I also think JS has a lot more in the tank!! The dude was hardly sweating after the race!! This could be a fun summer!!
Great race.....I'll suck it up and say JS looked awesome, and I'll also say KTM needs to figure out that pogo stick suspension for RD. This is going to be a good summer for sure.
Without taking away from #7's win, I agree with the statements about #5's bike looking a little out of sorts.
In comparison, the Suzukis (of which, there were THREE of them in contention) looked MUCH better.
I believe having seven years of development to fall back on is pretty fortunate. The RMZ has had RD (the man) RC, Gosselar, Ian Harrison (motor guy), Reed & RD (#5) all contribute to the setup and development of that platform and it shows. I'm guessing they have a rather large compilation of "notes" on setting that bike up for just about any condition ever seen on a track.
On the flipside, the KTM is literally ALL-NEW so, I'm not losing sleep over the gap that was there during the race. I'm supremely confident that the RD's will have that bike performing as good or better than all in short order.
Carlsbad....I couldn't have said that any better myself. JS7 is a spectacular rider, but has never been able to set up a bike. He's like Tom Cruise in Days of Thunder...
Can't see it too well, but is Alessi no longer wearing a JT helmet?
@yamalink MotoConcepts and Alessi are rocking Shoei helmets for the outdoors. http://www.racerxonline.com/2012/05/18/jt-racing-supports-motoconcepts-for-nationals
I am a big 7 supporter, but i love RD5 and his honesty about what is going on, he has no ego and that is a great quality to have.
his work ethic seems amazing and his respect of his competition is unmatched.
whichever of these 2 come out on top deserves it...
Why does RD always use "WE". I get it he's a team guy and that's great, but once the team hands the bike over to him on the starting gate it is up to him and him alone. WE didn't get up to third, you did. TAKE OWNERSHIP, the team does all they can do for you and then it's up to you and you alone. Then when YOU win you can say it was a team effort. Does the team tell you to wait and not make a pass until JS comes from behind you and passes two guys and then the team says go ahead and make the pass and get behind JS. I like RD, but getting tired of watching him playing nice.
Time to come out of that comfort zone.
Congrats JS7, didn't think you had in you for two 30+2's.
RD raced Great, Even with his Bike Problems and I Respect him for that. But like the Other guy Said JS didnt even sweat after the first moto, and wassnt even out of breath for an interview after the second. If Hes Got More In the Tank, Hell May Break Loose for Sir. Dungey.
Weakest link at KTM is the WP suspension... Even though KTM has taken over WP... I sure hope they have ousted the typical Dutch mentality set at WP... (Small time Dutch company) and have since then hired a group of foreign engineers to improve their suspensions...
Second weakest link at KTM... Uber managed company )... (I still can not figure what is Everts job there...??? )
@Mr-Mx what the heck does Dungey's points have to do with anything related to his KTM's setup? Where did you come from anyway? You make the most idiotic and ridiculous posts on every Racer X article...
BTW I read some Of your Comments and Yeah RD Got more in the Tank too, But we all know what happens When a Rider gets a Red Number plate lol (Confidence and Balls)
@ pugue........Many people have made mention of RD's suspension looking crappy, do bike excuses only count for James Stewart? The fact RD was testing multiple swingarms within 2 weeks of the start of the series.......The second moto was nice to see this won't be a snoozefest, he kept JS honest, he didn't get stomped by any means.
@biker143 I agree about the rear but the front looked really well in the rough parts.
JS bike was kicking some in the early going but he switched lines and smoothed out, his riding was just about impeccable and the Dunge was completely covered. He is right about that section that JS was doing the triple and Dunge almost bailed when he tried it. Dunge has been on that KTM long enough to have it dialed by now so if that is his problem then it will last forever. I am certainly not a JS fan but have to give the guy props for his great ride especially on a new bike.
Have to agree with you Bill C......I am willing to be that since Houston, when JS7 obviously said to himself " Alright, I am over this " as he walked off the track after taking that last soil sample on the Yamaha, he has done nothing but train train train....I watched the 2nd moto 3 times (just because I love good MX racing in HD ) and James was very calm...cool...and smooth...and he seemed to have no problem keeping Dungey behind him.. Now the lappers, they played a role for 1 lap...Dungey had 20+ minutes to make a move after they both passed Alessi and was not able too...JS7 had more in the tank for sure......First few laps, Alessi sprinted to a few second lead...then of coarse he peaked and started to play ROAD BLOCK.....Alessi almost took James out crossing over like that....Alessi is fast for 2 laps and Hangtown is his best track...He is not a threat to JS7 or Dungey unless he holeshots and they are stuck WAY back....Also,like in SX....Dungey takes too long to pass...he was stuck behind Grant and Tickle for 5 laps is 1st moto.....He also went from 6th place start to 10th on the first lap...If JS7 gets those top 3 starts...it will be tough to beat him...
@ arm01
really? you're making fun of RV tearing his ACL and RD appreciating the man above mainly for keeping him safe? i'd rather take 2nd place than 3rd.
alright man, let's see you even make it into an outdoor race. oh wait, you can't so stop baggin on Villopto.
@Mxracer, Just ignore @arm, he is looking to start shit and brings nothing but childish rants hoping to piss people off. He is like that other guy a while back slamming Bubbles with racist comments. Ignore them and they go away
@Retardedcroaa...you said - quote - @ pugue........Many people have made mention of RD's suspension looking crappy, do bike excuses only count for James Stewart? The fact RD was testing multiple swingarms within 2 weeks of the start of the series.......The second moto was nice to see this won't be a snoozefest, he kept JS honest, he didn't get stomped by any means.
I heard Chad Reed mention this on the BTO podcast as well...the swingarm testing is what I am referring too...
If this is true dungey should have his points taken and KTM should be fined...AMA rules state that swingarms must be production -
His forks rely too much on the compression valving and not enough on the springs -the shock looks ballpark. Anyone who has worked on suspension could see that -
Stewart was just smoother and his timing was better - racing is very simple - start -corner speed - create lines that conserve energy. See Blake Baggett for an example...
@ Claxton You say that Dungey has been on the KTM long enough and that if he doesn't have it dialed in by now, he never will. But the fact of the matter is that this was Dungey's first outdoor race on the KTM. Last year, RV struggled with set-up in the first few rounds so it's not as if it is not a legitimate reason for Dungey to have set-up issues. Dungey was right there during the entire second moto, and if anyone believes that Stewart was on cruise control because Stewart said he was, they need to open their eyes. Stewart is not the type of rider that goes on cruise control, and with Dungey only 1 to 2 seconds back for most of the moto, you can bet that both Stewart and Dungey were pushing. Get that KTM dialed in, and I suspect Dungey will step it up a few and start winning more motos than Stewart.
I like the way Dungey handles interviews. Just straight up facts, no drama.
I'd like to see Dungey beat Stewart and I think he will at some point but I'm glad Stewart is out there. So great to watch that kind of talent. Plus, who else would be considered a major threat to Dungey for the championship? I do hope some of the others really step it up and get in the mix. Milsaps looked really good in the first moto.
Can't wait for Freestone!
JSloan whats up man?
To my unbiased eye Stewarts bike looked better and Stewart as a result looked way smoother - whether he was in control or not only HE will know.
Dungey indeed faces the same problem that RV faced last year - they will get it sorted hopefully
Stewart himself said that he doesn't think he has seen all that Dungey has to give so as a fan of the sport and no one in particular i hope we have some awesome battles headed our way! - like those of 06' JS vs. RC - legendary...
@ dinosaurmedia..........Good call on the swingarm having to be production, didn't even cross my mind. Interesting...
@ dinosaurmedia, great post and while I'm a fan of Dungey, I'm also a fan of Stewart and I hope that they both give us some great racing. I was worried when RV was injured that the series would be boring, but Stewart's return (and a great one at that) breathed new life into the series. Both Dungey and Stewart are true competitors and I'm sure they both want to rise to challenge and beat each other.
Dungey's setup and tactics wll change..............but so will James's and all the other players for that matter.
800 setup look much better in M2 ,3rd OA is with shelf suspension ....................
Attention Mike Webb, cut a deal with 800
If your interested....average lap times M2
5 7 8 21 24 29 800
208.851 208.618 214.741 10.865 210.381 210.449 210.61
JimM
Pala374
Dangit !
JimM
Pala374
lol u guys are funny. Sure Dungey has some little suspension glitches to work out and I KNOW he will get faster and better as the series goes on, plus if u remember Ricky would go balls out for 15 min and dust james after he outdueled him, RD and RV whent balls out at Steel City last year for a full 30+2. James cant do that. And oh yeah, Ryan did bad at the beggining of last year because he hadnt raced an outdoor in awhile and he had something called MONO. Not bike problems
^ Im talking about RV not RD in regars to the early season perfomance
Of the top three, #800 was the only NON_FACTORY ride! Motoconcepts builds some fast bikes, and if Suzuki would help, just a little, they might have the top two riders on the podium!
Kawi567, it was Reed who had mono in 2010, not RV last year. As far as the swingarm comments, I'm sure KTM is not that dumb to break any rules that can get them fined or DQ'd, if anything they are probably testing linkage ratios. This is a new bike, lots to learn. Racing is the best place to test.
As far as all of the speculations, cmon' guys its only the first round. Its a little early to predict the rest of the series. Both guys will get better as the year goes on. I do see Suzuki at a little of an advantage as far as setup becasue of the years of data they have. Like Alessi said, what works in testing does not always work at race pace.
@pugue... No, I took the picture from an add some guy was selling his CR250 of 91' a couple of yrs back... I did owe one back in the day... Honda all the way!
Sloan how is the Vid coming???
"No, I wasn’t pacing myself, we were going out and doing the best we could" Dammit Dungey, You just Basically told RD haters that you were going all out!! :( now the JS fans will bash about JS not even trying.
It could be a production swingarm from another production bike in the lineup. Does not have to be specific to that bike. Just a "production" item. KTM has many bikes that are similar but not the same.
@ BillC You will get your video before Saturday's race.
I believe ya Slone... Just bustin ya a bit!!
All jokeing aside Sloan.... What were you thinking watching the race.. Man this can't be happening... Son of a Beotch!! or what?? I been where you are before (not licking tolet seat's ) but on the loseing side and been like YOU gota be kidding me!! LOL
.Either way i give you credit for standing up to it like a man and not disapering like some or makeing half ass excuse like others.
Swingarm - I have a feeling KTM was actually testing different swingarms as the all new KTM could be outfitted with whatever swingarm the race team decides on by the time the bike hits showrooms and still qualify as production. Reed alluded to the fact that Goss had done some snooping when he ran into the KTM guys out testing and Dungey said they had tried like 2 swingarms that day.
@motohead....not saying that ktm intentionally cheated....they did import the 400 machines necessary for that pre proo to be raced...my issue as I should have stated is the ama and their shitty track record of enforcing clearly written rules....
But if ....like one poster mentioned... Is off of another production katoom all is good.
Please dont let my post detract from Dungeys great performance.
@ Mr-Mx Thanks for mentioning Niagara Falls. I live there and work at the bottom of the waterfall, but it's only 180ft tall. I'm guessing you only brought it up because we had 2 suicide attempts in the last 24 hours (only 1 was successful).
@J-Sloan, Hey man. No cheating! As in don't go to town and buy a new toilet seat and lick that one. That just won't satisfy the guys here that want to see you own up to your promise! Lol Can't wait to see the video. You are a class act if you follow through on this one. BillC will even be proud! Some of us are havin' fun with this, sorry it has to be at your expense. But you did start it! LOL Tooooo funny!