Ryan Dungey has won yet another round of the 2016 supercross season taking his tally to four from a possible six rounds.
By Hayden Gregory
The year’s second trip to Petco Park saw Dungey lead start to finish in another strong performance for the Red Bull KTM rider. After scoring the Holeshot award Dungey began to immediately create distance between himself and the rest of the pack. In an all too familiar sight the rest of the field were left to chase the championship leader, praying for a mistake from Mr consistent.
The first half of the race saw Team Honda HRC duo Cole Seely and Trey Canard hold the other two podium positions with Ken Roczen and Eli Tomac in hot pursuit. Fresh off a victory in Phoenix, Roczen looked determined to pass Canard however it would take until lap 11 for the RCH Soaring Eagle/Jimmy Johns/Suzuki Factory Racing rider to make his move.
While Dungey and Seely looked comfortable out in front the battle would heat up mid pack with Jason Anderson entering the fight between Tomac and Canard. The trio would exchange blows with Anderson ultimately taking fourth showing too much pace around the Petco track.
Dungey took the chequered flag with ease recording his 22nd straight podium finish, with second being his worst result for the last 17 races.
“I just tried to keep the pressure low the entire Main Event; keeping good traction with the rear tire was key,” said Dungey. “I got a good start, which was huge in putting me in a position to win and I just tried to be consistent for all 20 laps. We had to overcome a few things today, but that’s racing. I’m happy to be back on top of the podium.”
Seely enjoyed his best result of 2016 finishing second to claim fourth overall in championship standings.
“I’ve been in a funk these last two weekends, but I’m thankful for the dedication of my team to stick behind me. I feel a lot better on my bike,” said Seely. “I really didn’t make any mistakes, I just couldn’t quite keep the pace with Ryan [Dungey]. It feels great to get back up here [on the podium].”
Following up a win last round, Roczen claimed third in San Diego riding to his fourth consecutive podium finish.
“Tonight I have to be satisfied. I didn’t win, but I didn’t really feel comfortable on the bike today,” said Roczen. “We salvaged third. Ryan [Dungey] finished in front of us, but we’re leaving healthy with a good result.”
Australian rider Lawson Bopping had a difficult night ultimately finishing 17th in the LCQ after Blake Bagget dropped his bike right in front of him on corner one.
450SX Class Results
1. Ryan Dungey – KTM 450 SX-F
2. Cole Seely – Honda CRF 450
3. Ken Roczen – Suzuki RM-Z450
4. Jason Anderson – FC450
5. Trey Canard – Honda CRF 450
6. Eli Tomac – Kawasaki KX 450F
7. Marvin Musquin – KTM 450 SX-F
8. Chad Reed – Yamaha YZ450F
9. Weston Peick – Yamaha YZ450F
10. Justin Brayton – KTM 450 SX-F
450SX Class Championship Standings
1. Ryan Dungey – 144 Pts
2. Ken Roczen – 118 Pts
3. Jason Anderson – 111 Pts
4. Cole Seely – 105 Pts
5. Chad Reed – 103 Pts
6. Eli Tomac – 103 Pts
7. Marvin Musquin – 77 Pts
8. Justin Brayton – 72 Pts
9. David Millsaps – 71 Pts
10. Jacob Weimer – 62 Pts
22. Lawson Bopping – 13 Pts
