Monster Energy Supercross
Pinpoint: Ryan Dungey
Reflecting on the news.
The Red Bull KTM team held a press conference at Angel Stadium in Southern California earlier today. The event was used to announce that Ryan Dungey, a four-time champion in the 450SX class, has retired from professional supercross and motocross with immediate effect.
An event as extravagant as this was fitting for a man who has accomplished so much on and off of the bike. The nine titles that Dungey has claimed in Monster Energy Supercross and Lucas Oil Pro Motocross sit alongside an ESPY, as well as a Wheaties box. Those are impressive, of course, but his defeats are just as noteworthy. Rarely did he finish off of the podium and, had it not been for some rare issues, he may have achieved even more.
Dungey lost the 450SX title in 2011 by just ten points, for instance, and missed out on a 450MX championship by fourteen points in 2014. When you consider the fact that he stood on the podium in either second or third on one hundred and sixty-seven occasions (counting each individual outdoor moto), you begin to realise why such a hole will be left in the sport now that he has stepped away.
The fact that Dungey was not expected to reach these levels is often overlooked. Roger DeCoster took a huge gamble when he handpicked Dungey from the amateur ranks, despite the fact that he had won just a single title at Loretta Lynn’s. The confines of the Makita Suzuki awning really became home at that point, as he was comfortable working beneath DeCoster and Ian Harrison. Comfort turned out to be a major factor throughout his career. Even now, the colours may be different but those two are still at the helm.
A win at the first Monster Energy Supercross, then named Amp’d Mobile AMA Supercross, round of his career ensured that fans and insiders alike sat up and took notice. The races that he completed at the end of the Lucas Oil Pro Motocross series the year before that were not even spectacular, as a pair of eighths were a highlight. Consistency was there, evidently, and that was never eliminated from his programme.
That win at Atlanta in 2007 was followed by some stereotypical rookie mistakes, then the year that followed that included the infamous Jason Lawrence incident. Dungey had dug himself into a hole mentally at that point but, unlike many others, he emerged a better rider. Countless riders have faced similar adversity, but failed to appear at the other side. Dungey was simply faultless from that point on.
Although you could point to minor errors that were made at points, when you look at what he achieved as a whole it is simply incredible. It may even take this retirement to enable one to look at the bigger picture and appreciate the work that he did. In many ways his story was that of an underdog, hence why it really is not surprising that so many fans chose to back and relate to the multi-time champion.
Dungey will be missed. Not just by those fans and industry insiders, but by the mainstream media who opted to tell his story to a wider audience. ‘5’ opened up many avenues that had not been explored by his predecessors and, whilst Ken Roczen looks to continue to take the sport down that path, we will thank Dungey for opening that door.
Words: Lewis Phillips | Lead Image: KTM Images
Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing is happy to announce that Michael Mosiman has signed a multi-year deal that will see him join their talented 250-team line-up. The Californian will race the remaining rounds of the 2024 SuperMotocross World Championship Series, starting with the Monster Energy AMA Supercross 250SX West Championship and then a full season of the Pro Motocross 250MX Championship to campaign for top honours during the three-round SuperMotocross World Finals.
Words: Press Release | Lead Image: Star Racing
Mosiman has shown strength and the pace to run up front. He took home his first 250SX win at San Diego Supercross in 2022 and finished third in the Western Regional 250 class that season. Unfortunately, injuries sidelined him from a full season last year. Back to full fitness, a re-energised Mosiman is eager to get back on track with the Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing team and make his debut aboard the YZ250F at Round 6 of the 250SX West Championship at Lumen Field in Seattle, Washington, on March 23.
Jensen Hendler – Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing 250 Team Manager
“We’re excited to have Michael join the team. We’ve only been working with him for a little bit, but we feel he has the speed and can battle up front. It’s not easy to jump into a season that’s already been rolling, but we’re looking forward to seeing what he can do and are looking forward to Seattle.”
Michael Mosiman – Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing #76
“I am honoured to be a part of such a successful team and to be surrounded by so many driven individuals. In my short time of getting to know the Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing team, I have been impressed with the dedication, commitment, and passion they have for the sport and for winning. I am thrilled to be part of the organisation and am looking forward to getting back to racing. Being off the bike and away from racing for a bit has allowed me to truly reset and return stronger both physically and mentally. I think the partnership with Star Yamaha could not have come at a better time in my career.”
Love what we do? Please read this article as we try to raise £30,000.
Monster Energy Supercross
The MX Vice Show Episode #162 with Jeff Crutcher (Founder/Team Principal CREO KTM)
Listen now.
The MX Vice Show returns with special guest Jeff Crutcher, as he speaks to MX Vice Editor Ed Stratmann about the season so far, his incredible career in the sport, the challenges associated with running a team, how happy he is with the progress of Talviku, Gibbs & Kaub in Supercross and Arenacross, the state of play in the sport, what his goals are for the campaign and much more.
The MX Vice Show is as always available to listen to on Spotify, iTunes, SoundCloud, Stitcher and Google Play. Thanks to Parts Europe, Scott, Fly Racing, AS3 Performance, ARMA nutrition, Holeshot Motorhomes and Even Strokes for their support of The MX Vice Show. If you would like to become a part of the show, don’t hesitate to get in touch.
Lead Image: Supplied
Love what we do? Please read this article as we try to raise £30,000.
Monster Energy Supercross
AMA Penalty Report from Birmingham featuring Haiden Deegan and Adam Cianciarulo
See here.
Check out the AMA Penalty Report from Birmingham featuring Haiden Deegan and Adam Cianciarulo.
Lead Image: Star Racing
Love what we do? Please read this article as we try to raise £30,000.
-
Monster Energy Supercross2 months ago
Jett Lawrence apologises to Jason Anderson following their incident in San Diego
-
Monster Energy Supercross6 months ago
Injury Update: Chase Sexton
-
Monster Energy Supercross6 months ago
Results: SMX LA Coliseum
-
Monster Energy Supercross6 months ago
Results: SMX Chicagoland
-
Product News4 years ago
News: 2021 Beta 300 RX
-
Monster Energy Supercross1 month ago
AMA Penalty Report from A2 – Cooper Webb’s fine and Anderson’s penalty headline the list
-
Monster Energy MXoN7 months ago
Announcement – Team GB Motocross of Nations Selection
-
Monster Energy MXoN6 months ago
Australia announces MXoN squad