Dungey take second Supercross world title

Red Bull KTM rider Ryan Dungey has taken his second Supercross World Championship title with three races left to go in the series, after powering to second place in Saturday night’s Texas race.

The Tallahassee native left himself with lots to do, however, after a poor start left him outside the top ten. While Honda rider Cole Seely cleared off at the front, eventually winning by eleven seconds, it was far from over for Dungey.

Needing to take a podium finish to lift the title, he was able to charge forwards, being in the right place at the right time to benefit form a collision between Chad Reed and Andrew Short, eventually ending the night in second.

“The team and I worked so hard to get to this. There are hardly words to explain how good this feels. There were a lot of ups and downs along the way, but my team stood behind me through it all and provided me the best bike. I am so excited for this championship but am looking forward to the next goal. We aren’t done yet.”

KTM Head of Motorsports, Pit Beirer, who confirmed after the race that Dungey will remain with the Austrian manufacturer until the end of the 2017 season, added: “One of my personal dreams came true today. We started our Supercross race department completely from scratch in 2011, and what has been achieved in this very short time is outstanding. The key to everything, and I call it the best trip of my life, was my first meeting with Roger De Coster in the summer of 2010.

“Together with Roger we have formed the best and strongest team you can imagine. However, we cannot perform without the best riders on our bike, which is why we are thankful to Ryan. He trusted us at a very early stage of the project.”

Results 450SX Class Houston

1. Cole Seely (HON)
2. Ryan Dungey (KTM)
3. Eli Tomac (HON)
4. Joshua Grant (KAW)
5. Chad Reed (KAW)
6. Andrew Short (KTM)
7. David Millsaps (KAW)
8. Broc Tickle (SUZ)
9. Justin Barcia (YAM)
10.  Justin Brayton (KTM)

Standings 450SX Class after 14 of 17 rounds

1. Ryan Dungey (KTM) 318
2. Eli Tomac (HON) 236
3. Cole Seely (HON) 223
4. Trey Canard (HON) 204
5. Chad Reed (KAW) 199