Ryan Dungey goes into 2015 feeling better than ever. Photography By Andrea Wilson
ANAHEIM, CA, JAN. 2 – With Ryan Villopoto off to Europe, James Stewart sidelined with a suspension and a lot of new faces at new teams, there’s a big question mark as to who will be the man to beat this year in the Monster Energy AMA Supercross. Perhaps the safest bet is mister consistency: Red Bull KTM’s Ryan Dungey.
And Dungey himself felt pretty good about his odds, even with all the competition out there.
“The last four years have been tough,” Dungey said. “He’s [Villopoto] made it hard on us all for sure. It’s definitely interesting with him gone.
“We’ve been right there with the championship stats every year, but obviously a long list of guys, a lot of guys out there that can win. It’s going to make it tough on us, but we feel really well prepared and healthy and ready to get things rolling. I’m excited for what the year brings.”
Experience and three years under his belt with the KTM factory team are definitely factors that will play into his favor. But it’s not all entirely status quo for Dungey in 2015, he gets an all-new bike and a new trainer, Aldon Baker. Two things that could add up to another Supercross Championship.
“Definitely a couple changes coming into this year…nothing too drastic,” Dungey said. “It’s a brand new bike from the ground up. They did a good job. They really came to the table with this one. The bike was good before, but you know, there were some flaws here and there… But this one they did really good.”
New year, new KTM 450 to aid Dungey in his bid for another AMA Supercross Championship. Photography By Kit Palmer
Also fine-tuned for 2015: Dungey himself. The Minnesota native started working with the renowned champ trainer (Ricky Carmichael and Ryan Villopoto, to name a few of Baker’s clients) towards the end of last year’s Motocross season and he’s feeling better than ever.
“It’s been good to get some time under our belts and really get some numbers,” Dungey said about working with Baker this off-season. “And also to get some time spent with him down in Florida, which has been very helpful. Just trying to fine-tune a few areas nothing big.”
Is there one thing that stands out as a key factor for Dungey’s confidence in 2015?
“I guess in all areas,” Dungey said. “Just to be able to have a light bike, something that works good. It’s probably one of the best off seasons I’ve felt like I’ve had in my whole career. I’m just really excited about the whole thing. The team, training, my whole crew and everything that comes with it. I’m ready for it.”
