OAKLAND, Calif. – Red Bull/KTM Factory rider Ryan Dungey successfully maintained the red number plate after a hard-fought 4th place finish at the fourth round of the AMA Supercross Series held at Oakland Coliseum.
Dungey had a strong showing at Oakland in the early afternoon, earning the 2nd fastest lap time of the combined practice sessions. He topped his impressive practice time with his first heat win of the season in the opening SX class heat race. He led the heat holeshot to checkered flag to earn the top gate pick in the main event.
In the main event Dungey suffered a poor start off the gate and rounded the first corner in 12th position. He quickly began to pick off riders while the lead pack was beginning to pull away. By the halfway point he had passed into the top five and by the twelfth lap of the race he had passed Andrew Short for 4th position. His speed and stamina were impressive throughout the twenty lap main but his time spent through the pack had allowed the top three to pull out of reach. He finished a strong 4th place overall, and in doing so, was able to maintain his red number plate for another round. This will mark the third round in a row that Dungey has held the points lead and been given the honor to represent the red number plate.
“I’m bummed that I didn’t land on the podium tonight. But overall, it was still a great night. I earned my first heat race win of the season and I made some good passes in the main event to salvage some points,” remarked Dungey. “It was hard to make passes tonight so I am glad I was able to pass as many riders as I did. My team has been behind me 100% this season and I am glad we are still running up front in the points and I am looking forward to a podium finish at the next event.”
Next Round: Anaheim, CA – February 4, 2012
Overall Results SX Class –
- James Stewart
- Chad Reed
- Ryan Villopoto
- Ryan Dungey – KTM
- Andrew Short
- Kevin Windham
- Davi Millsaps
- Jake Weimer
- Justin Brayton
- Josh Hansen
- Mike Alessi
- Kyle Chisholm
- Broc Tickle
- Brett Metcalfe
- Nick Wey
- Cody Mackie
- Weston Peick
- Robert Kiniry
- Ben Lamay
- Kyle Partridge
Overall Point Standings SX Class –
- Ryan Dungey – 85
- Chad Reed – 85
- Ryan Villopoto – 83
- James Stewart – 73
- Jake Weimer – 61