Anaheim, CA – Red Bull KTM Factory rider Ryan Dungey earned 3rd overall at the opening round of the Monster Energy Supercross Series, an FIM World Championship.
Dungey had solid practice times putting in laps that were inside the top five in both timed practices. He was placed in the first 450 Supercross heat. Unfortunately, he got pinched off in the first corner off the start and came out in 7th.
On the second lap, Dungey collided with another rider in a rhythm section and went down. He quickly recovered and reentered the race in 13th position. With six laps remaining he quickly went to work to move himself into qualifying position. When the checkered flag flew he had climbed up to 6th to qualify into the main event.
In the main event Dungey got off to a better start and rounded the first corner in 4th position. He began a four rider battle for the lead, including Davi Millsaps, Trey Canard and Justin Barcia. Dungey pressured Barcia for 3rd for the first ten laps. As soon as he moved into striking distance he suffered a small crash and lost some ground. Luckily, he didn’t lose a position but he did lose valuable time. A lap later Barcia suffered a crash and Dungey was able to move into 3rd place. With only a few laps remaining Dungey held on to 3rd to earn his first podium of the season.
“I am excited to get on the podium at this race,” remarked Dungey. “It is a long series and it is good to get a podium finish at the first round to get us off on a right start. Last year, we had a great race at the second round of the series and I am looking forward to going to Phoenix next week and hopefully moving up on the podium.”
Next Event: Phoenix, AZ – January 12, 2013
Overall 450 Supercross Results –
1. Davi Millsaps
2. Trey Canard
3. Ryan Dungey – KTM
4. Chad Reed
5. Jake Weimer
6. Andrew Short
7. Justin Barcia
8. James Stewart
9. Justin Brayton
10. Kevin Windham
