Ryan Dungey Propels KTM to First AMA Motocross Championship

The combination of racer Ryan Dungey, team manager Roger de Coster and the KTM 450 SX-F has delivered KTM its first ever 450 AMA Motocross title.

Dungey rebounded from a first-lap crash in the opening moto at Unadilla Raceway to sweep both motos and clinch the 2012 AMA Motocross championship. The sweep gave the Red Bull KTM factory rider 450 points on the season and an insurmountable 113-point gap over MotoConcepts Suzuki‘s Mike Alessi.

With two rounds remaining on the schedule, Dungey has won 14 motos along with five runner-up finishes and a third-place finish.

“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,” says de Coster who was instrumental in bringing Dungey to KTM. “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.”

The 2012 championship is Dungey’s third AMA Motocross title. Dungey won the 250 championship in 2009 and the 450 championship in 2010, both with his mentor de Coster and Suzuki. The 2012 title, however, is the first 450 class U.S. championship for KTM.

“I knew we had the right people behind us and if anyone could do it, (Team Manager Roger DeCoster) and this team could,” says Dungey. “We struggled at times, but as a team we worked it out and were able to overcome it. It took a lot of effort from everyone here and overseas. We had a god opening round and just kept making progress. I committed everything and winning a championship is paying that due. I hope this is the first of many more.”

[Source: AMA Motocross, KTM. Photo by Hoppenworld.com]

By Dennis Chung