MXA interview with Ryan Dungey

Cancerman
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Cancerman
Edited Date/Time 11/7/2017 2:09am
The latest issue of MXA has a great interview with Dungey. The truth on why he retired. Very honest. I respect him even more now than I did. Smart man. It's not on line yet, though. Just in the mag.
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thatswhathappens 11/2/2017 5:23am
11/2/2017 5:23am
Cancerman wrote:
The latest issue of MXA has a great interview with Dungey. The truth on why he retired. Very honest. I respect him even more now than...
The latest issue of MXA has a great interview with Dungey. The truth on why he retired. Very honest. I respect him even more now than I did. Smart man. It's not on line yet, though. Just in the mag.
x2, are you trying to boost MXA mag sales by being this vague, lol
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mxjon454 11/2/2017 10:13am
11/2/2017 10:13am
Cancerman wrote:
The latest issue of MXA has a great interview with Dungey. The truth on why he retired. Very honest. I respect him even more now than...
The latest issue of MXA has a great interview with Dungey. The truth on why he retired. Very honest. I respect him even more now than I did. Smart man. It's not on line yet, though. Just in the mag.
It was a really good interview. They had one with josh grant a few issues ago that was really good too. When Dungey said his '11 rmz450 was junk that kind of took me back. It seems like he couldve had the same bike that he won his championships on in 2010. Maybe when roger and ian harrison left the bike just wasnt the same? That kind of took me by surprise.

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ZXMustang
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ZXMustang 11/2/2017 10:20am
11/2/2017 10:20am Edited Date/Time 11/2/2017 10:21am
I think he had said in another interview that he was just not into racing anymore. The pressure to win was just too great. Some of the tracks scared him, and he was just done.

I get it. Pressure is a scary thing. So is straight up being scared. I get nervous to race too. And looking at some of the jumps can be very intimidating.

Dungy already got all the money/fame/trophies anyone would ever need. He didnt need to put himself in that position anymore. He wasnt hungry anymore for it. I wouldnt have been either at his level. Now he can just sit back and ride out the fame for a few years, then step back into a team or into the broadcasting side like alot of the former champs do. RV seems to be due to get a job in the booth or on the ground like RC. Its like they hang back for a few years then need to float back in for a pay check or because they want the fame again.
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Wandell 11/2/2017 10:26am
11/2/2017 10:26am
Cancerman wrote:
The latest issue of MXA has a great interview with Dungey. The truth on why he retired. Very honest. I respect him even more now than...
The latest issue of MXA has a great interview with Dungey. The truth on why he retired. Very honest. I respect him even more now than I did. Smart man. It's not on line yet, though. Just in the mag.
mxjon454 wrote:
It was a really good interview. They had one with josh grant a few issues ago that was really good too. When Dungey said his '11...
It was a really good interview. They had one with josh grant a few issues ago that was really good too. When Dungey said his '11 rmz450 was junk that kind of took me back. It seems like he couldve had the same bike that he won his championships on in 2010. Maybe when roger and ian harrison left the bike just wasnt the same? That kind of took me by surprise.
2011 was a tough year. When Roger and Ian left and budget cuts, the team went to crap.
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mxb2 11/2/2017 10:40am
11/2/2017 10:40am
Legend,. Top 5 of all time.
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mxjon454 11/2/2017 11:40am
11/2/2017 11:40am
Cancerman wrote:
The latest issue of MXA has a great interview with Dungey. The truth on why he retired. Very honest. I respect him even more now than...
The latest issue of MXA has a great interview with Dungey. The truth on why he retired. Very honest. I respect him even more now than I did. Smart man. It's not on line yet, though. Just in the mag.
mxjon454 wrote:
It was a really good interview. They had one with josh grant a few issues ago that was really good too. When Dungey said his '11...
It was a really good interview. They had one with josh grant a few issues ago that was really good too. When Dungey said his '11 rmz450 was junk that kind of took me back. It seems like he couldve had the same bike that he won his championships on in 2010. Maybe when roger and ian harrison left the bike just wasnt the same? That kind of took me by surprise.
Wandell wrote:
2011 was a tough year. When Roger and Ian left and budget cuts, the team went to crap.
Yaa its crazy to think how quickly something can change like that. And if he didnt lose a chain in sx in 2011 he wouldve won that championship and if he didnt run out of gas at the texas national in 2011 he wouldve won that title too. With all those changes and the bike not being that great, he still wouldve backed both titles if he didnt have those 2 freak accidents.
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gt80rider 11/2/2017 3:08pm
11/2/2017 3:08pm
The word "scared" is rarely heard from single racers, mostly married at that level of racing. As the saying goes, you lose a tenth for every major injury, a half second for getting married, and a full second after you have a kid.
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Cancerman 11/2/2017 7:23pm
11/2/2017 7:23pm
He also stated that the intensity of racing at that level, and the focus required to not make a mistake that could end your career, was just getting too high. He felt Ryan Vilopoto was the one that forced everyone to step up their game. He felt he could not find the focus required to continue. He also said he had a couple of very close calls during 2017, which made his mind up for him. He felt he was at his peak and was not going to get any faster. Another title would have been difficult to achieve. It was time to enjoy other things in life. But he did say it is taking awhile for him to deal with not racing anymore professionally. He said he will stay close to racing, but in what capacity, he's not sure of. I noticed he was in the pits at a couple outdoors races and was helping the KTM crew set things up. Incognito, in a full beard.

Another tid bit, he said when he started with Suzuki, he knew nothing about bike set up. Very insightful, IMHO.
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Jrewing 11/3/2017 1:04am
11/3/2017 1:04am
It can't be good when a champ is intimated by the tracks. Safer tracks make better racing
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pejje 11/3/2017 2:32am
11/3/2017 2:32am
Jrewing wrote:
It can't be good when a champ is intimated by the tracks. Safer tracks make better racing
But how are they more difficult than say 10-15 years ago? The tracks still have triples, tabletops and different rhythms like they always have. Feels like nowadays the jumps are better built, is'int that a good thing?

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motomike137 11/3/2017 4:12am
11/3/2017 4:12am
No one wants these guys to ever call it quits but I totally get why they do. Very few are able to walk away with their health AND a pile of cash. Dungey was a flat out STUD!
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JWACK 11/3/2017 4:34am
11/3/2017 4:34am
gt80rider wrote:
The word "scared" is rarely heard from single racers, mostly married at that level of racing. As the saying goes, you lose a tenth for every...
The word "scared" is rarely heard from single racers, mostly married at that level of racing. As the saying goes, you lose a tenth for every major injury, a half second for getting married, and a full second after you have a kid.
Tell that to Osborn. Tongue
dirtworldmx 11/3/2017 4:35am
11/3/2017 4:35am
motomike137 wrote:
No one wants these guys to ever call it quits but I totally get why they do. Very few are able to walk away with their...
No one wants these guys to ever call it quits but I totally get why they do. Very few are able to walk away with their health AND a pile of cash. Dungey was a flat out STUD!
This. I never realized how bad things were with the team in 2011.....still he almost won it all. Great racer and role model.
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reded 11/3/2017 4:56am
11/3/2017 4:56am
Jrewing wrote:
It can't be good when a champ is intimated by the tracks. Safer tracks make better racing
pejje wrote:
But how are they more difficult than say 10-15 years ago? The tracks still have triples, tabletops and different rhythms like they always have. Feels like...
But how are they more difficult than say 10-15 years ago? The tracks still have triples, tabletops and different rhythms like they always have. Feels like nowadays the jumps are better built, is'int that a good thing?

The culmination of faster bikes and better tracks has pushed the speed of the top guys to a scary level.

Speed kills and no man wants to ride past his comfort level for very long. Deep down he knows the consequences aren't worth the reward.
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acres951 11/3/2017 5:33am
11/3/2017 5:33am
Jrewing wrote:
It can't be good when a champ is intimated by the tracks. Safer tracks make better racing
pejje wrote:
But how are they more difficult than say 10-15 years ago? The tracks still have triples, tabletops and different rhythms like they always have. Feels like...
But how are they more difficult than say 10-15 years ago? The tracks still have triples, tabletops and different rhythms like they always have. Feels like nowadays the jumps are better built, is'int that a good thing?

Not arguing or trying to start one, but I don’t think factory 250 2 strokes from 15 years ago put out the power that the 450’s do now and they def didn’t have the inertia. It’s 500 2 stroke numbers now or more I guess.
Please no local yocals saying “but I ride a 450” or “you don’t have to use all the power”.

Btw, I’m getting rid of a 250 2 stroke for a 250f so I’m not really biased. Its just obvious imo.
Dirty Points 11/3/2017 5:58am
11/3/2017 5:58am
mxjon454 wrote:
It was a really good interview. They had one with josh grant a few issues ago that was really good too. When Dungey said his '11...
It was a really good interview. They had one with josh grant a few issues ago that was really good too. When Dungey said his '11 rmz450 was junk that kind of took me back. It seems like he couldve had the same bike that he won his championships on in 2010. Maybe when roger and ian harrison left the bike just wasnt the same? That kind of took me by surprise.
Wandell wrote:
2011 was a tough year. When Roger and Ian left and budget cuts, the team went to crap.
mxjon454 wrote:
Yaa its crazy to think how quickly something can change like that. And if he didnt lose a chain in sx in 2011 he wouldve won...
Yaa its crazy to think how quickly something can change like that. And if he didnt lose a chain in sx in 2011 he wouldve won that championship and if he didnt run out of gas at the texas national in 2011 he wouldve won that title too. With all those changes and the bike not being that great, he still wouldve backed both titles if he didnt have those 2 freak accidents.
But aren't both those "freak accidents" emblematic of ways the bike and team's attention to detail might not have been up to snuff?

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TriRacer27 11/3/2017 6:43am
11/3/2017 6:43am
Yep, it sure was.

I remember he walked right past me at Freestone after his bike died, He was pushing his bike, in 100+ degree heat, with his helmet on, and he looked soooo pissed and fired up. Between Freestone and southwick, it was a freak year, yet he still came within a few points or winning.
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Jt$ 11/3/2017 6:51am
11/3/2017 6:51am
Jrewing wrote:
It can't be good when a champ is intimated by the tracks. Safer tracks make better racing
pejje wrote:
But how are they more difficult than say 10-15 years ago? The tracks still have triples, tabletops and different rhythms like they always have. Feels like...
But how are they more difficult than say 10-15 years ago? The tracks still have triples, tabletops and different rhythms like they always have. Feels like nowadays the jumps are better built, is'int that a good thing?

The bikes are so fast now with so much torque compared to those days. Rhythm sections that no one would even consider on a 2 stroke are now done regularly. Remember the rhythm section at Glendale that Dungey wouldn't jump? Go back and watch if not. That's a section that he clearly didn't want to jump and it cost him. Another example was Windham at Anaheim when he retired. There was a huge quad out of a rhythm section that the top ten guys were all doing. KW said "no thanks" and realized it was time. The bikes have made nearly any combination possible and sometimes it's a bit scary when someone puts a huge combo together and you know you have to jump it to do well.
Dirty Points 11/3/2017 9:27am
11/3/2017 9:27am
Cancerman wrote:
He also stated that the intensity of racing at that level, and the focus required to not make a mistake that could end your career, was...
He also stated that the intensity of racing at that level, and the focus required to not make a mistake that could end your career, was just getting too high. He felt Ryan Vilopoto was the one that forced everyone to step up their game. He felt he could not find the focus required to continue. He also said he had a couple of very close calls during 2017, which made his mind up for him. He felt he was at his peak and was not going to get any faster. Another title would have been difficult to achieve. It was time to enjoy other things in life. But he did say it is taking awhile for him to deal with not racing anymore professionally. He said he will stay close to racing, but in what capacity, he's not sure of. I noticed he was in the pits at a couple outdoors races and was helping the KTM crew set things up. Incognito, in a full beard.

Another tid bit, he said when he started with Suzuki, he knew nothing about bike set up. Very insightful, IMHO.
And yet, the 2017 outdoor title would been the easiest of his career.
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seth505 11/3/2017 10:09am
11/3/2017 10:09am
Jrewing wrote:
It can't be good when a champ is intimated by the tracks. Safer tracks make better racing
pejje wrote:
But how are they more difficult than say 10-15 years ago? The tracks still have triples, tabletops and different rhythms like they always have. Feels like...
But how are they more difficult than say 10-15 years ago? The tracks still have triples, tabletops and different rhythms like they always have. Feels like nowadays the jumps are better built, is'int that a good thing?

Jt$ wrote:
The bikes are so fast now with so much torque compared to those days. Rhythm sections that no one would even consider on a 2 stroke...
The bikes are so fast now with so much torque compared to those days. Rhythm sections that no one would even consider on a 2 stroke are now done regularly. Remember the rhythm section at Glendale that Dungey wouldn't jump? Go back and watch if not. That's a section that he clearly didn't want to jump and it cost him. Another example was Windham at Anaheim when he retired. There was a huge quad out of a rhythm section that the top ten guys were all doing. KW said "no thanks" and realized it was time. The bikes have made nearly any combination possible and sometimes it's a bit scary when someone puts a huge combo together and you know you have to jump it to do well.
My opinion of course but this says it all...the bikes are stupid. When someone dumps it in a corner, gets up at the exit of the corner, starts the bike and proceeds to hit the triple/finish line jump then it's time to back off on the power(size).
1st Amendment 11/3/2017 11:01am
11/3/2017 11:01am
Amazing that he would of won both titles in 2011 if it wasn't for freak mechanical problems. That team was such a mess that year salvaging parts and with the main guys leaving for KTM. Then he leaves for KTM basically taking 3 years off his career to ride an underdeveloped bike. Wasn't a fan of that move.
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deluxeman 11/3/2017 3:39pm
11/3/2017 3:39pm
Everything is better/faster now. Speeds are higher so the stakes are also higher if you crash. One small lapse and you could end your career. Roczen easily could have ended his this year, he may never be competitive again for all we know. I hope that isn't true. I think Ryan saw what was ahead and said No Thanks, I have my rings, legacy and his health and decided to go out his way. The Eli lovers said he was afraid of Eli, I think that is nonsense. Dungey knew damn well he could mentally defeat Tomac by the end of a season, and he did. He was/is far smarter than the average rider.

Look out if he ever figures out how to train or manage riders or a team. If he figures it out he will have more championships to his credit.
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Titan1 11/3/2017 4:26pm
11/3/2017 4:26pm
pejje wrote:
But how are they more difficult than say 10-15 years ago? The tracks still have triples, tabletops and different rhythms like they always have. Feels like...
But how are they more difficult than say 10-15 years ago? The tracks still have triples, tabletops and different rhythms like they always have. Feels like nowadays the jumps are better built, is'int that a good thing?

Jt$ wrote:
The bikes are so fast now with so much torque compared to those days. Rhythm sections that no one would even consider on a 2 stroke...
The bikes are so fast now with so much torque compared to those days. Rhythm sections that no one would even consider on a 2 stroke are now done regularly. Remember the rhythm section at Glendale that Dungey wouldn't jump? Go back and watch if not. That's a section that he clearly didn't want to jump and it cost him. Another example was Windham at Anaheim when he retired. There was a huge quad out of a rhythm section that the top ten guys were all doing. KW said "no thanks" and realized it was time. The bikes have made nearly any combination possible and sometimes it's a bit scary when someone puts a huge combo together and you know you have to jump it to do well.
seth505 wrote:
My opinion of course but this says it all...the bikes are stupid. When someone dumps it in a corner, gets up at the exit of the...
My opinion of course but this says it all...the bikes are stupid. When someone dumps it in a corner, gets up at the exit of the corner, starts the bike and proceeds to hit the triple/finish line jump then it's time to back off on the power(size).
Or...maybe its time to build bigger jumps? WhistlingDryUnsure
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WhipMeister 11/3/2017 4:41pm
11/3/2017 4:41pm
Jt$ wrote:
The bikes are so fast now with so much torque compared to those days. Rhythm sections that no one would even consider on a 2 stroke...
The bikes are so fast now with so much torque compared to those days. Rhythm sections that no one would even consider on a 2 stroke are now done regularly. Remember the rhythm section at Glendale that Dungey wouldn't jump? Go back and watch if not. That's a section that he clearly didn't want to jump and it cost him. Another example was Windham at Anaheim when he retired. There was a huge quad out of a rhythm section that the top ten guys were all doing. KW said "no thanks" and realized it was time. The bikes have made nearly any combination possible and sometimes it's a bit scary when someone puts a huge combo together and you know you have to jump it to do well.
This
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Johnny Depp 11/3/2017 5:09pm
11/3/2017 5:09pm
Dungey is a smart man. He walked away on top with his health before he too became disposable like a used Red Bull can. Very few leave the sport that way. Whether we like it or not, SX/MX is the Gladiators vs. the Lions. There is a reason TV ads are full of crash highlights. Football players and Rodeo Cowboys have a longer career expectancy.

The only potential defending champion has screws in his ankle. The wounded list is already long for the next season and it hasn't started. Those that do make the start will have plenty of scars and rods and screws. The tracks need to be tamed down IMO. It is not OK to consistently have professional's, no matter what they get paid, have to compete on tracks that require perilous risks throughout the season.



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Madmax31 11/3/2017 5:23pm
11/3/2017 5:23pm
Cancerman wrote:
The latest issue of MXA has a great interview with Dungey. The truth on why he retired. Very honest. I respect him even more now than...
The latest issue of MXA has a great interview with Dungey. The truth on why he retired. Very honest. I respect him even more now than I did. Smart man. It's not on line yet, though. Just in the mag.
Yeah it's damn good! Solid 10 to MXA on that one.
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68 11/3/2017 6:54pm
11/3/2017 6:54pm
Tame it down? the tracks have literally the same obstacles every weekend, even the gaps between the jumps are the same. Surely doing 17 weeks of the same obstacles you feel pretty safe?
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newmann 11/3/2017 7:07pm
11/3/2017 7:07pm
Jrewing wrote:
It can't be good when a champ is intimated by the tracks. Safer tracks make better racing
pejje wrote:
But how are they more difficult than say 10-15 years ago? The tracks still have triples, tabletops and different rhythms like they always have. Feels like...
But how are they more difficult than say 10-15 years ago? The tracks still have triples, tabletops and different rhythms like they always have. Feels like nowadays the jumps are better built, is'int that a good thing?

Jt$ wrote:
The bikes are so fast now with so much torque compared to those days. Rhythm sections that no one would even consider on a 2 stroke...
The bikes are so fast now with so much torque compared to those days. Rhythm sections that no one would even consider on a 2 stroke are now done regularly. Remember the rhythm section at Glendale that Dungey wouldn't jump? Go back and watch if not. That's a section that he clearly didn't want to jump and it cost him. Another example was Windham at Anaheim when he retired. There was a huge quad out of a rhythm section that the top ten guys were all doing. KW said "no thanks" and realized it was time. The bikes have made nearly any combination possible and sometimes it's a bit scary when someone puts a huge combo together and you know you have to jump it to do well.
Yet here we are at 120 ft. lbs of torque with the entry level Alta.

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