I have put myself in a great position to clinch the title ahead of the final race, and it’s a definite possibility for me this weekend. – Ryan Dungey
The world’s best motocross racers return to Miller Motorsports Park this weekend to compete in the Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Zions Bank Utah National. With two points separating first and second place in the 250X Class championship title, the Utah National is poised as a pivotal race that will shape the outcome of the title, but may also be the title-clinching race for 450X Class points leader Ryan Dungey.
Dungey currently enjoys a 79-point lead in the 450X Class standings and is set to clinch the season championship in Utah.
“For me personally I hope that I can wrap up the title this weekend here in Utah,” said Dungey. “I have put myself in a great position to clinch the title ahead of the final race, and it’s a definite possibility for me this weekend. I have a game plan each and every week going into the race and I have the same game plan this weekend. If we stick to what has made us successful this entire year, then that possibility becomes our reality.”
With a series championship win, Dungey will sweep the 2015 motocross season winning the Lucas Oil Pro Motocross title as well as the Monster Energy Supercross title.
“It is so tough to come off of one high, winning the Supercross title, and then to gear up to win another title,” said Dungey. “As a professional racer our contracts are to race in both seasons both Supercross and in the outdoor Pro Motocross championships. Fortunately I was able to clinch the Supercross title early, and we as a team began to work on our strategy for the outdoor season immediately. When the outdoor season begins, all of the riders are on the same level as we are still putting together our season action plans with the short turn-around time from Supercross to outdoor.”
In stark comparison to the large points lead that Dungey has on the 450X Class field, 250X Class defending series champion Jeremy Martin is in a tight battle with Supercross champion Marvin Musquin.
“To defend your title and go back to back is so difficult, especially when it’s my first time in a position to defend a title,” said Martin. “Each and every week I get the best racing out of every rider. When another rider sees the red number one on my bike, they want it. They want what I have earned and they will do whatever it requires to take it away from me.”
If it were not for Martin’s teammate Cooper Webb crashing in the waning minutes of the last race, Musquin would be tied with Martin heading into the Utah National.
“To me two points is nothing,” said Martin. “I view this as a two-event, four-races shootout for the championship. All of this pressure either from racers riding extra hard because I have the number one plate or to keep my lead over Marvin (Musquin), it helps me in my career because it forces me to take my skill set of riding to a new level.”
Musquin, the challenger, voiced his thoughts on the tight points race.
“Anything can happen in racing,” said Musquin. “At any point in a race no matter what track you are at, mistakes can happen and you have to either take advantage of them if you see the mistake happen ahead of you or you have to minimize the damage as fast as you can if you are the one who made the mistake.”
When asked if he was feeling any added pressure to outperform this weekend to get into the points lead heading into the final race, Musquin was all smiles.
“I am completely confident going into this race in Utah. I have put myself in a great position and I want to finish this season strong, ending my time on the 250X bike as I transition up to the 450X class next season. Personally I don’t think Jeremy (Martin) has been as consistent as he was last season, and I know that my precise and technical abilities that I ride with will help me onto the top of the podium.”
Unlike most tracks on the Lucas Oil Outdoor Pro Motocross series, the Miller Motorsports Track is man-made and retains similar qualities to a Supercross track.
“There are so many unique factors that play a role in winning a race here in Utah,” said Dungey. “Factors that range from the altitude to the course set up make this track a challenge and a speed bump along the way to a title. While I have my sights set on a title or even with the 250X Class points race being so tight, if you overlook this track for one moment, the track will derail you and any hope you have.”
“I am really impressed with this venue,” said Musquin. “Each year they improve the track and make it a challenge to compete on. There are some big jumps and some great rhythm sections, which are incredibly fun for riders, but it also creates a great visual product for the fans as well."
Dungey and Martin may be the points leaders in motocross this weekend, but they aren’t the only points leaders racing this weekend. MotoAmerica Superbike Superstock points leader Jake Gagne is trading in the pavement for the dirt as he will race this weekend only in the Pro Motocross race.
“Utah here we come!” exclaimed Gagne through his social media accounts. “Excited to be a part of the moto races this weekend.”
Utah native and competitor this weekend Landen Powell shared his thoughts on Gagne racing dirt this weekend.
“Gagne is a great rider in the Superbike series,” said Powell. “This is a dirt track and not a dirt track to take lightly. I think his skills or racing will suit him. It should make for an interesting watch to see if he can make that transition quickly from the pavement to the dirt.”
While Dungey may be hoisting the Lucas Oil Pro Motocross championship trophy this weekend in Utah, he added another trophy recently as he was named Best Male Action Sports Athlete at the ESPYs, ESPN’s yearly awards show.
“To even be nominated was an absolute honor for me,” said Dungey. “At first I didn’t think that I had a shot at winning, but thanks to great sponsors and fan support, I won. To be nominated against male athletes from across the broad spectrum of action sports and to be recognized as the top athlete is phenomenal. It shows that our sport is growing in popularity. As I accomplish more and more in my career and I break records through winning, I am thankful that I have this opportunity. I have never wanted to settle in life, so I don’t get caught up in the numbers. I want to continue my career and accomplish as much as I possibly can so that one day I can look back in retirement and be proud of my career and how I handled myself in life.”
The Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championships take place this weekend, Aug. 15, at Miller Motorsports Park with opening ceremonies beginning at 12:25 p.m. A full list of the schedule and ticket information can be found at http://www.millermotorsportspark.com/events/utah-national-pro-motocross.html#!QA1O0003.