Dungey, Geico Honda Part Ways
T
he Geico Honda/Ryan
Dungey marriage has al-
ready dissolved. According to
a release from Geico Honda/
Factory Connection, the recent
partnership involving former AMA
Supercross Champion and long-
time Red Bull KTM Factory Rac-
ing Team rider Dungey is over by
mutual agreement. At the end of
last year, the nine-time champion
joined the Geico Honda Team as
part owner.
"When we joined with Ryan
just under three months ago, we
had high hopes for our partner-
ship, and we're sorry to see it
end prematurely," said Factory
Connection Racing founder and
owner Richard "Ziggy" Zielfelder.
"That said, we understand the
significant travel and time com-
mitments that come with team
ownership, and we respect Ryan
for recognizing that it wasn't
something he was prepared
to do long-term. In addition to
being a great champion, Ryan
is a true professional, and it
has been a pleasure to work
together during this brief period.
We wish him all the best going
forward, and we look forward to
seeing him at the races."
"After months spent with the
Factory Connection Racing team
and discussions with the team's
owners, it's tough to say we will
be discontinuing our relation-
ship," said Dungey. "I found this
is to be a larger commitment
than I can give it at this stage in
my life. It's not in my style to do
a job halfway, nor is it fair to the
team to not get the full efforts
that they deserve. My overall im-
pression of the team is very high.
I'm grateful for the time they gave
me and how much Jeff Majkrzak
and Rick Zielfelder helped me in
my life journey. I hope for con-
tinued success for the team and
the Honda organization." CN
IN
THE
WIND
P38
Ryan Dungey found
his new role at Geico
Honda to be "a larger
commitment than
I can give."
