Ryan Dungey Retires

Ryan Dungey interview – Retirement

Red Bull KTM Factory rider Ryan Dungey retired today in America. The multiple AMA champion spoke the media and here are some of the questions and answers.

“Good morning and I want to thank you all for coming out. Its hard to believe this day has come, but today I announce my retirement from motocross and supercross.”

Roger DeCoster on Dungey taking over the team manager roll

De Coster: I am sure the chance will be there, but I don’t know if he is ready tomorrow to put in the time. He will take a break now and maybe we ask Ryan this time next year. Is that is his choice he can do that.

Dungey on taking over that roll if it came up

Dungey: There will be never be a team manager like Roger, so much experience and that helped my career move forward. Being down with the racing side, and have some time off. For me and my wife we have travelled a lot and want to enjoy other things. Jumping right into that, travelling so much, it’s too soon. I have so much experience from racing and it would be a waste to not apply it forward and help the next generation. Not racing the outdoors, I will be there for Marvin, and if I can do that great. Roger is the team manager and he has a lot more experience than I do.

On making the decision to retire

Dungey: It wasn’t a one day thing, it was a good year of thinking about things and I remember after the Colorado race and I thought lets do another two more (years), but I needed to pump the brakes. Back in November it was weighing one me a bit and I didn’t know where I was, I talked to Aldon and we said let’s get through Supercross. As things were coming I think I knew, but going through Vegas and leading up to it, I just thought to myself I have had enough. I pushed it and I am mentally exhausted. I think in November win or lose that might be it after Vegas.

On breaking his neck last year

Dungey: It woke me up for sure, but not knowing it was broke, but racing the race. Monday, we saw it was broken. The doctor said had it gone anymore I could have done damage to my spinal cord. I said to Lindsey (his wife) I am done, but I took my time, gathered myself. It weighed on me a bit. I knew a life lived in fear is no life at all. I wanted to fulfil my contract. I didn’t want to race in fear, I wanted to get on that dirt bike and race.

On the accident of Ken Roczen

Dungey: I think it was one more thing. Things happen, he was in the zone and just like it happened to me, it happened to Ken. You don’t want to get hurt, you want to get the job done. Usually when you ride fearsome like that, something will happen. I wanted to have fun and enjoy it like I did when I was a kid.

On doing something else outside the sport

Dungey: I like riding, I love riding and a lot of things I liked about the sport and away from it. I need to take my time and not rush into anything.