AMA Supercross
Team Rockstar Makita Suzuki’s Ryan Dungey once again proved his consistency and the power of his Yoshimura-equipped Suzuki RM-Z450 while scoring a second-place podium finish at the 14th round of the 2011 AMA/FIM Supercross Championship at Edward Jones Dome in St. Louis.
Dungey scored his eleventh podium of the season in front of a packed crowd of nearly 60,000 in the 20-lap main event. His teammate Brett Metcalfe did not race due to recent injuries and will sit out the remainder of the supercross season in order to train and prepare for the 2011 AMA Pro Motocross Championship series.
Dungey and his Suzuki were strong all day. After scoring the fifth fastest time in the afternoon timed practice, Dungey pulled the holeshot and walked away with the win in his heat race.
Another great start on his RM-Z in the main put him in second place going into the first turn. After a bit of shuffling, he dropped one position in the first lap but was able to power his way back to second by lap three.
Dungey rode smooth and steady for the remaining 17 laps and piloted his RM-Z450 across the line for a second-place podium finish. Ryan Dungey’s consistency and string of podiums have paid off, as he now stands second in championship points, just five points out of first place.
Ryan Dungey (Rockstar Makita Suzuki RMZ450) says: “I think that all in all, it was a pretty good day. Practice went really well. We were fighting a few areas, but my whole Rockstar Makita Suzuki team went to work and made a few changes that made me really comfortable out there on the track.
“My Suzuki got me off to a great start in my heat race and I was able to get the holeshot and come away with a win. That helped a lot and gave me a good gate pick going into the main event. I got another good start, which put me in second. I got passed and put into third but was able to get back to second in the next lap.
“I’m really thankful for a second on the night. I’m focusing on just being really consistent and smart. A big thanks to my Rockstar Makita Suzuki team and the Yoshimura guys – They all have done a great job. We’re heading to Seattle next week and I’m looking forward to that one. I really enjoy going there.
“The dirt is a little different in Seattle; a little more sandy and usually will rut up and deteriorate a bit. I look forward to getting there next week and putting in another solid ride.”
The 2011 Rockstar Makita Suzuki team’s next event is Saturday, April 16th, at Quest Field in Seattle, WA. You can meet Rockstar Makita Suzuki’s Ryan Dungey on Friday, April 15th, from 6 to 7 PM at Hinshaw’s Motorcycle Store, 1611 West Valley Highway South, Auburn, WA.
St Louis Supercross Class Results:
1. James Stewart
2. Ryan Dungey
3. Ryan Villopoto
4. Chad Reed
5. Trey Canard
6. Kevin Windham
7. David Millsaps
8. Ivan Tedesco
9. Austin Stroupe
10. Andrew Short
2011 Supercross Class Standings:
1. Ryan Villopoto – 275
2. Ryan Dungey – 270
3. Chad Reed – 267
4. James Stewart – 259
5. Trey Canard – 255
6. Andrew Short – 185
7. Kevin Windham – 165
8. David Millsaps – 143
9. Justin Brayton – 141
10. Ivan Tedesco – 127
