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RYAN DUNGEY
450 SX / SD
IMAGE / MPG WORDS / LANNAN DESIGN / WILSON
>> Ryan Dungey started off 2017 as usual, finishing on the podium and securing his spot near the top of the standings. It is evident that Ryan knows this season is going to be tough and he is clearly determined to prove that he has the speed to win in one of the most stacked 450 classes in history. Ryan took to the soggy San Diego soil on Saturday afternoon and was looking quick early on. His lap times continued to drop all the way through the final session and he put himself on the top of leaderboard going into the night show. Ryan knew tonight could be his night as he lined up to 450 Heat 2 with a little bit of extra confidence. As the gate dropped, he got a good jump and was able to stay right on the heels of his competitor, Roczen. The race was relatively uneventful as he was clearly sav- ing his energy for the Main Event. Dungey would take 2nd in the Heat race and he knew what he had to do. When the gate dropped for the Main Event, Ryan demanded the holeshot and led the way into the heart of Petco Park. He avoided a pass attempt early on by Roczen and began to settle into a blistering pace. Ryan would eventually fall victim to a charge from Ken Roczen in which he block passed him right before the finish line with about 13 minutes left on the clock. Ryan would use the next few laps to learn and follow. He began to change some things which increased his speed drastically. Ryan surprised most as he began to slowly reel in the German. As the laps counted down, Dungey only got closer to Roczen as the crowd began to rise to their feet. Ryan had two opportunities to make the pass but mistakes held him from perfect execution. Unfortunately he would fall short. Ryan would have to settle for a 2nd place again in San Diego.
12 GRITMOTO • JANUARY 15, 2017