Profile...Ryan Dungey

Fox Sports 1 Comes to Belle Plaine to Profile Motocross Champ Ryan Dungey

Wednesday, October 28, 2015 11:06 AM

Fox Sports 1 reporter Jenny Taft, left, joined Ryan and Lindsay (Siegle) Dungey at Annie’s Cafe in Belle Plaine last Wednesday to film a portion of a feature about the Dungeys that will air in early 2016.

Ryan Dungey of Belle Plaine is to motocross and supercross championships what Tom Brady is to the NFL. Fox Sports 1 knows that and sent reporter Jenny Taft to Belle Plaine last Wednesday to film a portion of a feature she’s compiling on one of motocross’ top racers ever. It will air in early 2016.
Dungey has won every major title in American motocross and supercross. He has also been the champion of the world’s largest international motocross race, the Motocross des Nations, three times. Combined, Dungey currently has six major AMA championships, which places him among the best motocrossers of all time. He is also known for “his friendliness, charity work, consistent podium finishes and near-textbook riding style.”
In July, Dungey became the first motocross racer ever to win an ESPY Award for Best Male Action Sports Athlete of the Year.

Dungey, the son of Troy and Michelle Dungey, is married to Lindsay (Siegle) Dungey, a 2009 graduate of Belle Plaine High School. One of Fox Sports 1’s stops in Belle Plaine last Wednesday was at Annie’s Cafe on East Main Street. Annie’s Cafe is one of Ryan’s and Lindsay’s favorite places to visit when in Belle Plaine.

“The shoot went very well. It was a lot of fun,” said Taft, who is a native of Edina. “This (feature) is all about Ryan’s Minnesota roots and why he loves Belle Plaine.”
Taft is something of a do-it-all for Fox Sports 1. She appears as a sideline reporter for the network’s college football coverage, as a field reporter for several championship events and also serves as a Monster Energy Supercross pit reporter. Additionally, she works as a fill-in host on the studio program America’s Pregame and also as an anchor at the FOX Sports 1 update desk.
Dungey’s father was an amateur racer and had Ryan and his brothers, Jade and Blake, competing as amateurs soon after they learned to ride. At age 16, Ryan, who attended Guardian Angels Catholic School in Chaska through eighth grade, auditioned his riding skills and was signed to a pro contract.
Ryan is the current 450cc class Monster Energy Supercross champion and AMA 450 Motocross champion. He and Lindsay currently reside in Tallahassee, Fla, where Ryan can train year-round.

Mind & Motor With Roger DeCoster

­

RD "Winning is in the mind"

Imagine if Roger DeCoster didn’t fulfill his youthful rebellious streak and buy a motorcycle without his father’s permission. The entire sport of motocross would be a wildly different thing, all because one Belgian didn’t get to be a much-needed ambassador in the early days of organized professional racing. All these years later, DeCoster is still an important figure in the paddock thanks to his role as Red Bull KTM team manager and organizer of Team USA at the annual Motocross Of Nations.

To celebrate DeCoster’s many successes and their longstanding partnership, Alpinestars spent a few moments with “The Man” at the 2015 Motocross of Nations in France and produced a very rad video with clips from the past and present

The Wildest POV Footage From Rampage 2015

 It's not moto but it is a wild, wild, wild downhill. This ride takes some big cajones and lots of bike handling skill.

Keith McCarty Inducted Into AMA Hall of Fame

Yamaha Motorsports Racing Division Manager Honored

October 21, 2015 By Michael Antonovich

Cypress, CA – October 21, 2015 – Bypassing the traditional-style college degree that his mother desired for him, but still working on his MBA in life, with a major in “Motorcycles,” Keith McCarty, Motorsports Racing Division Manager for Yamaha Motor Corporation, U.S.A., was inducted into the American Motorcyclist Association’s Hall of Fame, in a ceremony held on Saturday night at the Orange County Convention Center’s Chapin Theater in Orlando, FL.

In Keith’s poignant and humorous speech, and with his mother Helen in attendance, he spoke about how he is still working on the college degree that his mother coveted for her son. He said he attends “YMU,” which he said stands for “Yamaha Motor University.” He is part of the “Yamaha bLU cRU,” which he rightfully referred to as a “fraternity,” and he said he was finally getting a “Class Ring,” which is the coveted ring given only to those people who are special enough to be inducted into the AMA’s Hall of Fame.

Keith went on to comment that he has always been a student because he learns something every day from the, as he put it, “smart people who he surrounds himself with.”

Joining Yamaha in January 1977 as the mechanic for AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Legend Bob “Hurricane” Hannah, Keith has remained in Yamaha’s racing division ever since, working as mechanic, supervisor, department manager and, most recently, division manager for all of Yamaha’s U.S. racing activities.

Keith, who lives in Orange, CA, with his wife Vicky–a former Yamaha employee herself–is known not only for his technical knowledge, but also for his inspirational prowess and organizational acumen that transcends racing disciplines.

“I want to congratulate the other inductees tonight,” Keith said. “I want to thank my Yamaha family. The thing about being in a family is being certain that someone has your back no matter what, through wins and losses. I’m so proud to be a member of the AMA and to receive this honor tonight.”

Keith went on to thank Vicky, his daughter Kristina and son Keith Alan, along with Yamaha Vice President of Motorsports Dennis McNeal and many others. Several members of Yamaha’s U.S. road racing teams, including riders and crew members, were in attendance to witness Keith’s induction, along with many other Yamaha Motor employees

Are the Italians Crazy...or What?

Coolest Races You've Never Heard Of: Epic Rise

Italians love mopeds and they love climbing hills. At Red Bull Epic Rise, competitors get both.

For those who constantly shoot for the stars, those who understand that the sky is the limit, there is Red Bull Epic Rise. A hill-climb gauntlet meant for only the most resilient of athletes, this Italian moto-party issues in a new level of competition for those who believe that living is sending an 80cc moped to the heavens. If you like overpowering underpowered machines, this race is for you.

Held annually in Italy, the rules for Red Bull Epic Rise are simple: Make it as far up the 50-meter hill as you can as fast as you can. Most competitors do not make it, with the course loaded with small ridges and bumps specifically designed to rob what little power and torque that little scooter has under it. But thousands of fans come out to enjoy the atmosphere of Epic Rise, and many even hop on the course to cheer on the beloved competitors, a group that has included Formula 1 stars Daniil Kyvat and Daniel Ricciardo.

Each team is required to build their own moped (within the specification limits) and submit the design beforehand, with creativity being the top priority. Epic Rise is like Red Bull Flugtag in that respect — it's just as much about the journey getting there as it is about competing.

The race

Each competitor is given two chances to reach the top of the hill. The official measurement is made where the rider’s foot hits the ground. The better of the two runs counts toward the final result. Should multiple competitors make it to the top, scoring will be determined by times, where the fastest will stand atop the podium.

There is no practice on the hill — the first time racers get to hit it is in their first run for the top. A small area is provided for competitors to ensure that their mopeds are working optimally before taking on Epic Rise.

In 2015, Epic Rise was held in conjunction with the GP of Italy in the Enduro World Championship in Bergamo. Fans enjoyed watching the best enduro riders in the world throughout the day, then in the evening were treated to the best of Red Bull Epic Rise.

Ron Clawson...RIP

     The following was on Facebook this morning and I tried to repost it but in case you are not on facebook, there was a picture of #97 on his motorcycle.
     So Sad.

     Ron was a vital part of our Oldtimers MX Camaraderie.  We will definitely miss him.   Our prayers are with Carolyn and the family.    

     Our beloved Ron Clawson passed away this evening. His battle with cancer was tough but he was brave. He was everything to this shop and I know he has touched and blessed everyone he came in contact with. 

     He was a good man, father, brother, husband, uncle, grandpa and friend.

     "So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."

                                                Isaiah 41:10

      In the coming days we will celebrate his life and legacy. A motocross racer

     ALWAYS and forever. God speed #97

    Annie

Anyone who has been around the International Old Timers Asscoiation for any lenght of time knew Ron. He was at many, many races always competeing and enjoying himself. Ron almost singlehandly kept the IOTMX alive in central california by promoting the annual race in Tulare. Ron was a good man and will be missed.

Art 43x

Yamaha Honors the Hurricane!

 THE FORCE THEY CALLED THE HURRICANE: BOB HANNAH

KTM Ride Day

If you have ever wondered what a KTM ride day was all about here is a report on how the day goes.

With a ticket from Nor Cal Motor Sports in my hand I went out to Prairie City today and participated in KTM’s ride day. They had on hand three each of the 125, 150, 250SX two stroke bikes and three each of the 250, 350 and 450SXF four strokes. We were given the opportunity to ride each bike for two laps, on the Hangtown track and then if we wanted fill out a questioner and ride the bike of our choice one more time for another two laps. 

The track for the first part of the day was very wet and slippery and some of the guys riding the smaller two strokes struggled getting up few of the hills. Later in the day the track dried out a little but by that time had lots of ruts. And with so many different skill level riders the ruts were everywhere, it made for some sketchy riding at times especially riding totally stock and unfamiliar bikes. 

The turnout was great, I’d say there were about fifteen riders in line to ride each bike all the time, plus 18 bikes out on the track at all times. Every hour they’d fill all the bikes with fuel which was the only time they were given a breather. By the end of the day the chains were dry and making noise, the idles were very high on some of the bikes as well. No doubt as a result of the motors breaking. But all the bikes certainly handled the flogging.

So which bike did I like the best, that answer is full of caveats. I only rode the four strokes; I don’t see myself buying a two stroke any time soon, so why bother. But I will say this everyone who rode the 150SX raved about how much fun it was. 

I rode the 250SXF first on a very wet slippery track and with only two laps just started to get a feel for it when I had to get off. It felt very light and had decent power (I believe my Yamaha YZ250FX has more low to mid range power) Next was the 350, this was the bike I was really looking forward to riding. First off I had a 2011 350SXF and the power characteristics are very different between the two. The 2016 has great low and mid range power and on top it just keeps on pulling and winding out. The 2016 is much easier to ride on a Moto Cross track than my old 350 was. The 450 was even easier for me to ride than the other two. Leave it in a higher gear and torque yourself around the track.

I didn’t notice any vibration from any of the bikes, and for me anyway they all felt very comfortable while sitting and riding on them, I didn’t notice any real difference when I got off one and on another, but I do have a 2012.5 450 and a 2012 500 KTM.

The 250 felt like a 250 very light and easy to move around. I expected the 350 to feel like the 250 only with more power it didn’t for me. Actually the 350 and 450 felt almost identical in the way the weight of the bike felt and handling characteristics. All the bikes felt much lighter than any previous KTM’s I’ve ridden though.

The negative to all these bikes was the suspension not so much the shocks but the forks varied greatly. The 250 suspension probably worked the best of all of them and was the most balanced. The 350 was by far the worst it was spooky at times. The 450 was much better than the 350. I don’t know why it was this way, had I ridden another of the 350’s perhaps my impression would have been different. I saw several riders playing with the settings before they went out on the track. In all fairness it doesn’t take much fiddling to throw the suspension way off.

I did ride the250 a second time this time when the track was much drier and it worked a lot better for me. I did ride a different 250 the second time (All the bikes were numbered) and this bike’s idle wasn’t as high as the first one and didn’t push me into the corners like the first one did. There really wasn’t enough time to ride the 350 or the 450 another time. I especially would have liked to have ridden another 350. 

For me today anyway the 450 was the easiest for me to ride and didn’t tire me out as much as the other two. They are all great bikes and it just goes to show you how easily each bike can vary depending on the state of tune when you ride it.

A big thanks to KTM for doing this and even though today the 350 turned out to be my least favorite it wouldn’t keep me from buying one if I was in the market. Goes to show you the value of proper bike set up. 

Doug 21J

Tyla Rattray Signs Out

The 2015 USGP marked the retirement of former MX2 motocross champion Tyla Rattray. After a fifteen year career that has taken him from his native South Africa, to the world championship, on to the USA and then ending up back in the Grand Prix series teamed with Ryan Villopoto for what would prove to be the final season for both riders, Rattray rode his last race at Glen Helen.
Long-time sponsors Thor put together this short film to celebrate a truly world class rider.

Herlings to 2016 MXGP?

Herlings teases about possible MXGP debut

Jeffrey Herlings threw a cat among the pigeons with this update on his Facebook page. Herlings has missed out on MX2 titles two years on the bounce by injuries and it was widely felt that he would stay down for 2016 to finally regain the title before he takes on the boys in MXGP. But in the final part of the update the Dutch rider teases with the comment 'Which class for 2016 is not decided yet.

If Herlings does move up than it would seem and even bigger job for his stable-mate Tony Cairoli who will have to overcome the new world champion Romain Febvre and Herlings to get his ninth title. The prospect for the new season just got even better - book your flight to Qatar!

Here's the whole post - it's heartfelt and disarmingly honest

Just would like to give all my fans a quick update as its been so calm around me lately.
Man... this is a long road back. Since July 2014 its been a dark moment in my career and life. At this time its mentally as though as physically. We are working hard to get back on the bike. Roughly planning says I should normally be able to be back riding in 4 to 6 weeks from now. All injuries are taking care off and now its only my dislocated hip which is still recovering and next week my plate on the collarbone will also be removed. So we hope to be back on the bike somewhere towards the mid to end of November.
Its hard knowing where we come from and that's winning in 2013/2014 27 GP's straight and then having such a tough come back time and being on the ground as much as I was last year. Obviously its hard mentally from knowing where I come from when nothing could go wrong to where I am right now. But it also shows me how hard life can be, and how fast things can turn around. Also I lost a person who meant a lot to me and was a strong person in my life the last 2 years but due some stupid mistakes I lost her. @brittvoorn thank you for helping me the last 2 years and you will be missed in our team, team 84.
But I learned from many things as I am on the sideline right now and I got so much motivation to show all my fans. I really wanna show you guys I am still being able to win championships. I hope all my fans are still believing in me like I believe in them. We are all in this together. We will come back, and we will win. Which class for 2016 is not decided yet. Just wanna say a big thank you to my great team Red-Bull KTM Factory racing team and all other sponsors and partners for still in believing in me. And my family and close friends for never giving up on me. I love u guys.

Image Ray Archer / KTM

Moto Magazine