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I know he seems really upbeat and has been super laid back in interviews. But in his interview on Pulp before the season, he said he expects to be in the mix for wins. I really don’t think he expected to go without a single podium and be in battles to the death for 7th place..
Early on he said he wants to do ‘23 but now he is out, do you think he was ok with how it went?
Early on he said he wants to do ‘23 but now he is out, do you think he was ok with how it went?
I'm sure he had a goal of at least multiple podiums and maybe even a moto win or wins.
But he has nothing to be ashamed of, he rode incredibly well considering he has been out of it for over 5 years. Bummer if he doesn't line up next season.
We are all proud of him. He should be be proud of himself, but I am willing to bet he wanted more
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My guess is that it's a decision based on a lot of factors, and the most practical decision in his eyes. I can't help but believe, however, that he really wants to go for it and race next year. I feel for him. That's life.
But man, in my opinion, to come back after five years and be a 5th/6th place guy . . . that's incredible.
That just solidifies his status as a legend. It's one of those things that will likely not be repeated.
Remember when Kailub Russell had a 'sudden' change of heart and dropped out of the Nationals? That was after a call from RD.
He had ridden in the time off, yes, but not at any level that approached a full moto, much less two 30 minute, full speed motos, except with a few months of preparation. Who else could do that? Name them. Even RV has been racing a pretty consistent schedule while retired, but he was getting beaten by a 125 rider that is finishing mid pack in 250s.
Malcom Stewart, Roczen, Barcia, and Plessinger along with a few others have been in the racing mentality, physically and mental, for the past year and past 5 years. Dungey got back into it a few months ago.
Could Reed do it and finish top 10 or 5? Could RV do it? ( I dont think RV has anything prove by the way, he could probably will himself to do what Dungey did but I dont think it would be as fast)
I was hoping that Dungey's "itch" for racing had only opened a festering wound and that he would continue on, proving himself because there was a lot of jerks and know it alls that put an asterisk beside his name and championships over the years. He had a chance to prove that he was "a/the contender that most believed he was" and in my opinion, he proved it.
Of course, he would never be able to oppose Anderson, Tomac, or Sexton head on after that many years off, I dont think he was going to kid himself about that. The fact is that at points, he was as fast or faster than both of them at certain tracks, at least for a time, shows that he had the skill and drive, but the DNF and obviously not being battle tested for years, showed his truth. Which there is nothing wrong with that truth. He was a few points out of finishing top five in the entire series this year and the fifth place finisher just won the 250 championship just a few months ago.
Thats pretty damn good in my eyes and hope others can at least, give him the credit he deserves. I hope Dungey himself, can give himself the credit he deserves. We know that at one time, Dungey was as fast, consistently as both Tomac and Sexton and there are countless videos/races to prove that.
I wish it was not true, that Dungey has decided to hang it up, but I am not going to feel sad about it. He has a family and a life to live. He helped bring the sport of motocross back to the popularity it has been missing for a few years (I had not watched an outdoor moto in a few years because it was so one sided.)
Thanks Ryan D. for bringing a spark and a desire for watching this sport that had been missing for a while.
If he was able to get 6th this summer and run podium pace with a month of prep, I see no reason why he’s not a top 2-5 rider next summer with some proper training and preparation.
Of course "it" is relative....look at how awesome Dunge was in all these races....after 6 YEARS off of the gate.
He was beating some of the "top" guys. I'd say he has reason to be happy. I'm glad he made it through the season without injury....as I'm sure his wife is as well.
One things for sure.... from a personal perspective... I myself was REALLY happy with his performance.
Just to have him out there again was awesome. Dunge is a class act in every way. The sport is diminished without him lining up.
If it truly was KTM saying no to 2023....then they are IDIOTS.
Awesome achievement and fantastic to watch him just show up after that lengthy lay off and hauling ass top 10 / even top 5 among most of the world's best, seriously, what a legend.
As a racer and a champion I'd bet he's personally happy with some aspects but still not sold on his actual finishes, just the nature of the elite guys.
Pit Row
So while Webb was off racing Chad Reed in local races and probably winning, Dungey and A.C. were picking up that slack and did a great job for the short time of prep they had. Finishing consistently at 5th or 7th the average being 6th, is not an indication that they would finish that way next year if actually provided with the money to make it happen. But in the end, its Dungey's choice and if its true that its all about the family and wanting to make some moves within that, I agree with that decision.
However, you can hear the apprehension in his voice, that he was not unhappy with his finishes, yet unhappy that KTM probably wasnt going to put the money up for him to continue. I think he still has more to prove.
He didn’t seem too enthusiastic but I guess Roger never really does.
He wants to be on the top step and knows exactly what it takes and the friction and sacrifice required doesn’t match his life situation. I think he wants to, but that he doesn’t want to make a family mess.
I hope he changes his mind. People die, glory lasts forever.
Post a reply to: Was Dunge REALLY happy with his performance?