After a six year hiatus from outdoor competition, Ryan Dungey returns with Red Bull KTM Factory Racing at Fox Raceway I National in the 2022 Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship season.
A clean 5-5 result across his two 450MX motos sealed a top five for his unexpected revival.
“I’m excited to be here racing and super thankful it worked out,” said the three-time Pro Motocross 450 champion.
Dungey showed his veteran status by understanding his limits early with clean passes and not overriding the bike. That confidence overflowed into the second moto where he narrowly missed the holeshot and was able to compete early with Honda teammates Chase Sexton and Ken Roczen. Ultimately, Dungey’s mid-race pace was not enough to keep up with a potential podium result, but still charged to the checkered flag for an honorable finish.
“Going into the first moto,” Dungey explained, “It was important to just let it come to me – don’t rush, don’t override, hit your marks and find good lines as the race goes on. I was able to make some passes and I was actually pretty happy with fifth. I got a really good start in the second moto and that was nice because I got to run up there with Chase and Ken and get a feel of that pace that I need to work towards.”
In 2016, Dungey finished second at Hangtown, won at Glen Helen, then second at Thunder Valley before he was forced out with a back and neck injury. After taking the time to heal and consider racing again, the weekend finally arrived. Winning two of his three championships with KTM, it was only fitting that Dungey returned in orange. The No. 5 plate was just icing on the cake for his fans.
“We made some changes going into the second moto and that really helped. For me, it’s the best outdoor bike I’ve ever ridden at KTM, so that’s really pleasing. The cool part is I see the areas I need to work on and that’s the challenge and the motivation moving forward.
“I’m actually really happy with the day and the bike.”
According to a press release from Red Bull KTM Factory Racing, Dungey is currently scheduled for Hangtown this weekend. There have been no further announcements for additional races for the Minnesota native.
