Dungey called this season’s Supercross championship the most important title win of his career, due in large part to the mental struggles he endured.
“I said on the podium in Las Vegas a week and a half ago that this championship win meant the most out of all my Supercross titles because the truth is, I had to fight the hardest for this one. Not necessarily because of the battles on the track, though those were good and tough, but because I had to mentally push myself like never before to get it done. And to come out on top and hold onto the championship title for the third year in a row is an unbelievable blessing that I’m incredibly proud of.”
Though Dungey is stepping away from riding, he did say that he will continue to be present and work to help the sport grow into its next era.
“I love racing and I love our sport but I just feel it in my heart that I am ready to step away now – happy, healthy and feeling totally blessed. I’ve accomplished everything that I set out to do … and so much more. Although I’m taking a step back from racing, I still plan to be involved in the sport and continue to try to make it better in any way that I can.”
“This sport has blessed me beyond belief and I’ll forever be grateful for the memories I’ve made and friendships I’ve developed along the way. As this chapter of my life comes to a close, I’m excited to see what the next chapter has in store for me.”
A large portion of Dungey’s career success came thanks to the guidance of KTM team manager Roger DeCoster and famed trainer Aldon Baker.
DeCoster issued a statement on Tuesday thanking Dungey for the decade-plus that they shared working together.
“It has been an honor to work with Ryan for over ten years together. In that time he never failed to end a championship on the podium and I can say that I have never worked with a rider who took his job so seriously,” DeCoster said. “This is the end of an era, but we know Ryan will stay involved with our team, even though [his role] is not completely defined yet. He has already begun helping Marvin prepare for the Nationals and we are excited to continue our relationship with him. We wish Ryan and Lindsey all the best for their future.”
“For six years, Ryan has been a part of the KTM family, beginning in 2012 when he came to KTM following Roger. Since then, Ryan has written a very important part of our history and together with Roger, they brought KTM to the pinnacle of the sport worldwide,” added KTM Group CEO Stefan Pierer. “Ryan is outstanding. His performance and his personality brought KTM to the next level and we thank him for that. We are wishing him all the best for the next step, and we are very happy to look for his next ambitious goals in the KTM family.”
About the Writer
Jacob Seelman is the Managing Editor of Race Chaser Online and creator of the Motorsports Madness radio show, airing at 7 p.m. Eastern every Monday on the Performance Motorsports Network.
Seelman grew up in the sport, watching his grandparents co-own the RaDiUs Motorsports NASCAR Cup Series team in the 1990s.
The 23-year-old is currently studying Broadcast Journalism at Winthrop University in Rock Hill, S.C., and is also serving as the full-time tour announcer for the Must See Racing Sprint Car Series.
Email Jacob at: editor@racechaseronline.com
Follow on Twitter: @Speed77Radio or @JacobSeelman77
Email Race Chaser Online: news@racechaseronline.com
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