Dungey Crowned 2012 450 Motocross Champion at Unadilla
OutdoorHub 08.19.12
Red Bull KTM Factory rider Ryan Dungey made history for KTM as he went 1-1 at Unadilla Raceway to take the overall victory and the crown as the 2012 Lucas Oil Pro 450 Motocross Champion. And to make it a perfect Orange weekend for the US factory team French rider Marvin Musquin claimed his first ever overall 250 win on USA soil and German teammate Ken Roczen finished third overall after winning the first moto.
Dungey started fifth in the first moto and stopped hearts in the pits when he in crashed in the first lap that dropped him back to eleventh place. In typical Dungey style he was back on his KTM 450 SX-F in an instant and began to pick off riders to put himself in the lead when the two-lap board went out. When the checkered flag flew, Dungey crossed the finish line to take the first moto victory.
Fans then lined the fence for the start of moto two in anticipation of watching Dungey make history for KTM if he took the win in the second moto to claim KTM’s first 450 Motocross Championship. Dungey launched off at fourth when the drop of the gate and was in third at the fourth corner. Moments later he had assumed the lead and never looked back. He dominated the remainder of race in his now copybook style and went on to lead the remaining laps to claim the overall and his first championship for the Austrian brand and sports bike specialist.
“It has been an amazing year with the Red Bull KTM Team,” remarked Dungey on the podium. “I am so happy to clinch this championship and so grateful to every member of the Red Bull KTM Team and my family that have helped me get here today. When I joined the KTM team last October, Roger (DeCoster – team manager) told me that we would be championship contenders and I believed him. It has come true today.”
Red Bull KTM Factory Team Manager Roger DeCoster was elated with Dungey’s victory, stating, “The team and Ryan have worked so hard this season. We have seen him have success in Supercross and then suffer an injury only to come back stronger. This is a great moment for the team, for KTM and for Ryan. We are very proud of him and look forward to running the number one plate at the final two races.”
