The Beginning
It took Dungey almost two competition seasons to peak at the pro level. “He was fast right away, but needed to learn more about how to pace himself,” said Brandon Short, MX Sports Pro Racing Media Manager. “His early successes were also accompanied by several heartbreak losses that ultimately led him to become a more mature and mentally tough rider.”
Part of his early influences included training in Florida, riding the same ground as Ricky Carmichael—the guy who’s career arguably pushed Motocross from a party sport to a more serious level. “I was hanging around some of the best racers, and I could be a sponge,” said Dungey. “I saw what worked for them on a fitness level and I discovered what worked best for me over time.”
Dungey found his stride in the 2009 season and won his first two titles—Supercross Lites and Motocross 250cc division. In 2010, he moved up a class to the 450cc division and pulled off the most decorated rookie season in Motocross history, winning both Supercross (winter-season arena Motocross) and Motocross titles. “Mentally it’s a very tough sport, you have to be willing to pull yourself back up and do whatever it takes,” said Dungey. “You can’t be afraid to fail. Progress takes time, and some of the greatest things I’ve learned through failure.”
