Cycle News

P22 WIND DOES IRON MAN DUNGEY WANT A BREAK? T he motocross season came to an end August 25 at Lake Elsinore Motosports Park - at least the AMA motocross season did. However, not everyone is done for the year and Ryan Dungey is one of those who will go on to race for Team USA at the Motocross of Nations for the fourth straight time. After that, there's the Monster Energy Cup and then there's a few weeks off before the 2014 AMA Supercross season kicks off. Since joining the 450 class in 2010, the durable Dungey has been able to stay remarkably healthy. Much more so than most of the other top racers in the class – riders like Ryan Villopoto, Chad Reed and James Stewart. Granted he's the youngest of that lot, but if you consider that there are potentially 31 major races on the schedule per year, which is only five less events than NASCAR's 36-race, season, that's a lot of racing even for a young person. With the exception of missing five Supercross races in 2012 due to a broken collarbone, Dungey's ability to stay healthy and race long seasons at a competitive level is quite impressive, especially when you consider how tough motocross and Supercross can be on the body. But does the two-time AMA Motocross Champion want some time off to rest like some of his competitors have the option of doing? Not really. In this sport, Ryan Dungey says he doesn't mind coping with such a demanding race schedule. when you're resting… it's usually because you're injured. "I mean you could sit and think about it," Dungey said after the Lake Elsinore National. "Would it be like, 'Yeah, it'd be cool? [to have some time off].' You would know what it feels like if you really put yourself in that position. I was there last year in Supercross [2012]," Dungey said. "I did everything I could to race. I ended up with a busted collarbone, so I had to sit out five races. That's tough. You don't know how really good you've got it 'til it's actually gone. I'm sure [Ryan] Villopoto last year was wishing he could be racing. Outdoor is a little more grueling, but you still wish you were out here." Dungey did acknowledge that it does grind on you. "It's stressful," he added. "It's tough. It wears on you." He also pointed out the importance of maintaining perspective. And also shared that it's not just tough on the athletes, but those who are close to them – the families. "Racing's tough, it starts to take over life in a way if you let it," explained Dungey. "It's very tough when you want to win and you're kind of right on the border. It drives me nuts. I mean the stuff I put my family through during the week, especially Lindsey, my girlfriend and my dad. You feel bad. You become such a prick. But at the end of the day, it's just putting things into perspective. You get to do this for a living and have fun and get paid to do what you love." Andrea Wilson PHOTOGRAPHY BY KIT PALMER IN THE

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