Dungey...“IT’S GOING TO COME.”

It was almost a Cinderella story last week when, in Ryan Dungey’s return foray into Lucas Oil Pro Motocross, he passed none other than Eli Tomac to take over third place in the first moto. Third! Passing Tomac! For that brief moment it looked like Dungey was officially riding a time machine, and right back to his old podium ways. It didn’t last because Christian Craig and Jason Anderson rolled by, but Dungey took fifth. This was still an impressive result, even amazing or astonishing depending on how you look at it. Fifth is fine. Fifth is great.

But. The immediate thought was that Dungey would quickly improve. If he was this good in one race, what about the next? Well, these things don’t happen that quickly. At round two at Hangtown, his result was actually worse, with a 6-7 after a 5-5 at Fox Raceway.

 

Ryan Dungey ahead of Christian Craig at the 2022 Hangtown Motocross Classic.Align Media

An easier way to look at it is the deficit from Dungey to the moto winner. Here’s the score from the first four motos this year:

44 seconds back
55 seconds back
50 seconds back
48 seconds back

So, right around the same distance. Don’t feel bad for Dunge, though, because he himself wasn’t expecting a dramatic turn in just seven days. He was pretty happy with his Hangtown result. By the way, Dungey has never won at Hangtown before, so it’s not his best track, for what it’s worth.

Aaron Hansel talked to him after Hangtown for a progress report.

Racer X: How was it?
Ryan Dungey: The day was good. The track was pretty challenging this week I’d say. They brought in a lot of dirt, which softened it up, which was good. The track, how it developed, was actually pretty cool, there were a lot of lines. For myself, we’re in a good spot. I feel like we’re making improvements and headed in the right direction. We tried a few things in the motos, in the second one as far as the setup that didn’t go as well, but we live and we learn and we have a general direction we know we need to go in with the bike. I’m really encouraged by that. Just going to be a steady process of getting better. I have to be patient too, with myself and with this process. I just have to keep building the intensity and improving in all areas. It’s just going to take time.

 

"I feel like we’re making improvements and headed in the right direction." - Ryan DungeyAlign Media

Speaking of intensity, you’ve been here before, you knew it was going to be intense, but have you been surprised at the current level of intensity?
Yes and no. I knew six years away, if I had a whole year to prepare maybe, but I knew the speed and intensity were going to be the biggest factors. For me, that’s going to take time. It’s going to come. I just need to keep steadily applying myself and closing the gap, and for me that’s the challenge, to keep improving. I do believe with where I was kind of gauging, especially in the first moto, where Eli and Christian, and Kenny, I do think we’re making progress. It’s baby steps, but where we were at last weekend to this weekend, it’s encouraging. For me the intensity and speed from a guy like Eli is unbelievable, and from a guy like Chase, he’s just got this raw speed, and he’s smooth. I always knew watching him come up he was going to be really good, so racing with him firsthand, you knew it was going to be tough.

Coming back, are you finding things that you didn’t necessarily think about, but find all kinds of things on race day just coming back to you? Like after qualifying I saw you looked like you were on a mission, you looked intense, and it was straight back to the pits and were immediately talking to Carlos [Rivera] right away. Do you just fall right back into it?
Yeah, it’s kind of the challenge of the whole sport. Yeah, you work physically, and you have to work on the bike, and do all the testing you want, but the race is the true test. So you always want to talk things through to make small steps and changes. We’re trying to get better; we’re driven to get better. Even if we won this weekend, back in the past we’d still be asking how we could get better. It’s inevitable and we’re always evolving because even if you’re winning the competition will catch up. Everything keeps evolving. I think we just have to be proactive, and that’s what you’re seeing.

This question may not apply because it’s not like you haven’t been riding in the last six years, but are you surprised at the difference of the factory equipment now versus when you were racing before?
In ’18 there was a new model, and they raced that one all the way up to the new model they just came out with. This bike, the feel and comfort are for sure better. That was one of the draws to racing again. It was like, ‘Man, I want to race this bike.’ The overall bike has gotten better, and so has all the equipment. Everything has evolved.

Bogle Taking Break

 

The Twisted Tea/HEP Motorsports Suzuki team has announced Justin Bogle “has decided to take a break” from the 2022 Lucas Oil AMA Pro Motocross Championship. The Oklahoma native finished 13th in the 450SX standings of the 2022 Monster Energy AMA Supercross Championship, then finished 20-20-37-DNS in the first four motos of the season, finishing 22nd and 41st overall, respectively.

“With the support of his family and team, Justin Bogle of team Twisted Tea/ HEP Suzuki presented by Progressive Insurance has decided to take a break from the 2022 Lucas Oil Outdoor National Championship. The burden of a grueling Supercross season, where Justin was one of only 10 athletes to lead a premiere class main event while accomplishing multiple top-ten finishes, has compelled Justin to press the reset button and recover. Although no timetable has been set for his return, we look forward to seeing Justin back on the racetrack in the near future.”

Pipes Motorsports Group, AKA the Twisted Tea/HEP Motorsports Suzuki team ran by Dustin Pipes, was recently announced as one of the ten exclusive teams in the all-new FIM World Supercross Championship (WSX). While the team has yet to clarify its roster for the WSX, we would not be surprised to see Bogle return to the active roster for the pilot run of the new series later this fall.

Steve Matthes has reported on Twitter that privateer Marshal Weltin will join the team for Pro Motocross, although an official announcement on that has yet to be announced.

Star Racing Yamaha announces Smith signing for 2023

Factory-backed opportunity in 250SX and the outdoors arises.

Image: Octopi Media.

Monster Energy Star Racing Yamaha has announced the signing of Jordon Smith for 2023 in 250SX and 250MX, transferring across from a single Supercross season at Fire Power Honda Racing.

Smith will return to Monster Energy Supercross and the Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship with the factory organization after claiming P6 in the 250SX East standings this year.

“I’m really excited to be joining the Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing team,” Smith explained. “After a few rough years, this past year was a building year for me.

“My goal was to get back to a factory team, and after all of the hard work I put in, I landed on the best team out there. I’m really excited to get to work and see what I can do working with this great group of people!”

Smith has three wins and multiple podiums in the 250SX class and took the runner-up spot in the 250SX East championship in 2018 as part of Monster Energy Pro Circuit Kawasaki. Both Justin Cooper and Colt Nichols will be bumped out of 250SX in 2023 after winning the regional titles last season.

“We are excited to get things started with Jordon as we have the resources to help him be very successful next year,” said Jensen Hendler, Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing 250 team manager. “Jordon has shown potential in the past, and we look forward to a successful 2023!”

SX2 structure declared ‘open’ as world championship category

Section: Competition Post: Alex Gobert

Designed for for riders to extend their careers and maintain relevance.

The structure of the SX2 category in FIM World Supercross has been declared as ‘open’ in terms of rider eligibility, complete with world championship status.

Season 2022 will mark the first time that the 250 class has been run as a world championship in supercross, which will be within the new series under the management of SX Global.

Without regulations that either restrict competitors in age or through points thresholds, it’s been introduced in a bid to offer ‘significantly increased freedom and flexibility for teams in selecting riders, while also increasing competitive and professional opportunities for riders looking to extend their careers and maintain relevance’.

“An official FIM world championship for 250cc riders is something that’s been a long-time coming in our sport and with the truly global nature of our series, it just made sense to finally make it a reality for WSX as we move into this new era of global supercross competition,” said Adam Bailey, SX Global’s managing director – Motorsport.

“We want to ensure that the 250cc (SX2) class features the best talent the world has to offer and, to achieve that, we are opening it up to all competitors regardless of age or past success. There have been numerous examples of limitations on 250cc class eligibility pushing high-level talent out of the sport or into compromising scenarios that impede their career progression and earning potential.

“We want to ensure we’re doing everything we can to give supercross athletes the best possible career opportunities and increased longevity. A rider-first commitment is core to SX Global’s mission and we feel this is the right move for the sport and its competitors.”

SX Global president Tony Cochrane commented: “An overview of virtually every successful sport or racing series around the world will tell you that success is driven by the stars – the athletes putting their talents on the line.

“To be honest, expanding opportunity for athletes as a strategy for business growth isn’t all that innovative, it just hasn’t been the case in supercross. It makes complete sense that our emphasis would be on elevating opportunities and potential outcomes for our teams and riders.”

Hangtown Thoughts

5 Quick Thoughts Following Hangtown

by Slaw DogJune 6, 2022, 8:34 am

Hangtown racing was amazing. The streaming from Hangtown was great… for two motos. I won’t bore you with a long intro you probably won’t read anyway, so let’s dive right in to some quick thoughts from round 2 of Lucas Oil Pro Motocross. 

Anderson, Finally

It blows my mind that Jason Anderson hadn’t won an overall prior to Hangtown—in ANY class outdoors—since turning pro in 2011. Dude has won two supercross titles and yet, had never tasted that sweet nectar of victory outdoors. And it’s not like he sucks outdoors. Nah. You see him, as Broc Glover would say, surfing those rollers and shit at Hangtown? Amazing. 

Even funnier? Anderson didn’t even know he had won until after the race. His mechanic put “You did it” on his pit board, but Anderson thought he meant he got a podium!!!!!

“I’ll probably just go grab some dinner tonight,” he said. “It’s been a really long time, and I’m really excited I don’t have to hear about not having that outdoor win yet. That’s pretty nice. I’m stoked and I’m really happy with my riding and it gives me more motivation. I’m going to try to keep the ball rolling.”

Sexton Is My Title Favorite

Yeah, he didn’t win either moto, but damn did Chase Sexton show some heart in both motos. He led a LOT in both, got passed late, but guess what? He didn’t give in. Hell nah. He tried super hard to track down Anderson in moto one and then Eli Tomac in moto two. Dude is blazing fast and through two rounds has eliminated the mistakes that cost him in supercross. Will he win the title? I don’t know, but he’s my favorite after two rounds. 

The 250 Class Has a Jett Problem

Two rounds and two wins for Jett. Further, dude was throwing up between motos at Hangtown (NOT COVID) and still won the damn overall. Gritty performance from the defending champ. And honestly, if you are the rest of the 250 Class, you have to be kicking yourself for not taking advantage at Hangtown. Also, gritty performance from Hunter, who was also sick. 

CAIROLI!!!!!

How fing rad was this!!!!!

Nice Rebound From Cooper

Cooper Dog was off the bike for a damn long time and it showed at Fox Raceway where he got 12th overall. Not at Hangtown. He ran up front all day and took second overall. He’s only going to get stronger as the series rolls along, but he’s gonna need to start clicking off some wins if he wants this title. 

Hard Enduro Series Germany

Hangtown Results Video

Hangtown Qualifing

Anderson, Cooper lead Hangtown Pro Motocross qualifying

Post: Alex Gobert

Times set in the 250MX session the fastest of all this morning.

Image: Octopi Media.

Monster Energy Kawasaki’s Jason Anderson led the charge in 2022 Lucas Oil Pro Motocross qualifying at Hangtown this morning, as Justin Cooper was quickest of all in 250MX.

A late lap from Anderson in the final qualifier saw him climb into P1, posting a 2m06.296s to edge Chase Sexton’s (Team Honda HRC) time set in the earlier session.

Third and fourth featured Monster Energy Star Racing Yamaha duo Eli Tomac and the in-form Christian Craig, with Ken Roczen (Team Honda HRC) filling the top-five. This morning marked the return of Joey Savatgy on debut at Monster Energy Kawasaki for this season at least, immediately on-pace in sixth on combined times.

The top 10 also included Ryan Dungey (Red Bull KTM) in the second appearance of his comeback, Garrett Marchbanks (Muc-Off FXR ClubMX Yamaha), nine-time world champion Tony Cairoli (Red Bull KTM) and Shane McElrath (Rockstar Energy Husqvarna).

Image: Octopi Media.

Monster Energy Star Racing Yamaha’s Justin Cooper was the benchmark in 250MX, his time of 2m05.812s a second clear of defending champion and red plate-holder Jett Lawrence (Team Honda HRC).

Third was Hunter Lawrence (Team Honda HRC), despite being quickest in the second session with a time in the 2m08s, from Michael Mosiman (TLD Red Bull GasGas) and RJ Hampshire (Rockstar Energy Husqvarna) the top-five.

Positions six through 10 included Levi Kitchen (Monster Energy Star Racing Yamaha), Monster Energy Pro Circuit Kawasaki teammates Jo Shimoda and Seth Hammaker, as well as Derek Drake (BarX Suzuki) and Pierce Brown (TLD Red Bull GasGas). The track was much slower in class during the final outing this morning, with Jett Lawrence down the order in 14th place during Q2.

Tomorrow...Hangtown

Triumph MX?

PRODUCT NEWS

News: Triumph Testing

Lewis Phillips June 1, 2022 

The greatest motocross rider of all time, Ricky Carmichael, and five-time enduro world champion Iván Cervantes, spent the last week with the Triumph motocross and enduro team in the UK.

Receiving a warm welcome from Triumph employees, Ricky and Iván took the time to meet some passionate Triumph fans, before deep diving into development workshops with the design team and testing the latest prototypes, continuing in their unique role of providing invaluable feedback and input into the project.

Ricky Carmichael: “It has been a pleasure to finally come to the Triumph headquarters. Meeting everyone in all of the departments, seeing how it all works and getting to put the names to faces of those that I have been working with for so long. I have been incredibly impressed throughout the project, right from my first test with the team in the US, and it’s great to see how much progress they made to this point. To see the masterminds at work, and the dedication and motivation from everyone has been absolutely incredible. The sky is the limit and I believe everyone’s hard work on this project will mirror the level of the Triumph brand. It is an exciting time to be a part of this historic project!”

Iván Cervantes: “For me, this is a huge moment. We have tested the bike many times, but it was wonderful to ride with Ricky in person, and so satisfying to see how happy he is with the set-up we have developed. We have made some very big steps and some very productive changes, and I’m very happy with where we are. I have worked for a long time on this project with an amazing team, who all share the same goal: To be competitive from the very beginning. I cannot wait for the next steps.”

Steve Sargent (Chief Product Officer): “It was a pleasure to have both Ricky and Ivan with us for a whole week and to continue to take full advantage of their experience with the development of our off-road prototypes. Having both legendary motorcycle racers together to contribute to such a crucial phase of the bike’s development is invaluable. Together we share a single-minded ambition to launch motorcycles that are 100% capable of winning, that bring something new and different to riders in both worlds, that encompass all of Triumph’s expertise and capability, and that leverage everything Ricky and Ivan know about winning and developing bikes that deliver consistently race after race.”

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