Red Bull KTM Factory riders Ken Roczen and Ryan Dungey took a landmark result for the team, as they sealed first and second in the US 450 Pro MX Championship series in Tooele, Utah on Saturday, with Roczen taking the win in his rookie year.
The battle between the two KTM teammates proved to be both the highlight of the season and another important step for the Austrian manufacturer, as it was the first time that KTM has finished 1-2 overall in this prestigious championship.
The US Red Bull KTM Factory Team races under the guiding hand of the legendary Roger DeCoster and both riders compete aboard the KTM 450 SX-F machine.
Ken Roczen and Ryan Dungey made it a memorable outdoor season as their battle for the title ensued, as Dungey picked up the red plate after the opening round at Glen Helen. Roczen, of Germany, had it in his possession from the second round and although challenged throughout the season by Dungey, he held onto it for the remaining races.
With a 18 points lead over his teammate, Roczen started into the final moto of the season. With Dungey still focusing on a possible title win he commended after the opening race: “I know that Kenny (Roczen) has a pretty good (points) gap on me but that doesn’t stop me from trying my best at every race. I’m happy I could get on the podium in the first moto and I’m excited to return and give it my all in the final moto of the season.”
While Dungey finished the day in second position, Roczen finished 4th overall what was enough to secure the first career championship for the German.
Roczen commented: “I was so excited and nervous at the same time and couldn’t actually push any faster and just wanted to cross the line to earn the championship. I am so thankful to my family, friends and my team for their dedication to help me achieve this goal. I am so happy.”
Pit Beirer (Head of KTM Motorsport): “We are very proud and happy that the duel for the championship happened between our KTM riders throughout the season. They are two of the best athletes who were challenging each other tough but fair. We are really glad about this successful ending of the season, which marks another milestone in KTM history. We´d like to congratulate Ken Roczen and the entire team, especially Roger de Coster, on this outstanding success. Thank you for the great work.“
In the 250 Pro Motocross class Marvin Musquin secured fourth in the overall championship with fifth at Utah, which is a solid result for the French rider who made his comeback to competition at the beginning of the outdoor season following a long injury break.
Musquin said: “I was really hoping to end the season on the podium. I am disappointed that I didn’t achieve that goal, but overall I am happy with my season and glad to walk away healthy.”
Results 450MX Class Tooele
1. Trey Canard (USA), Honda (1-1)
2. Ryan Dungey (USA), KTM (2-2)
3. Eli Tomac (USA), Honda (4-3)
4. Ken Roczen (GER), KTM (3-4)
5. Brett Metcalfe (USA), Kawasaki (7-5)
Final Standings 450MX Class after 12 of 12 rounds
1. Roczen, 532 points (2014 450 Pro Motocross Champion)
2. Dungey, 518
3. Canard, 468
4. Metcalfe, 334
5. Tomac, 319
Results 250MX Class Tooele
1. Jeremy Martin (USA), Yamaha (1-1)
2. Blake Baggett (USA), Kawasaki (3-3)
3. Cooper Webb (USA), Yamaha (2-4)
4. Justin Bogle (USA), Honda (6-2)
5. Marvin Musquin (FRA), KTM (4-5)
Final Standings 250MX Class after 12 of 12 rounds
1. Martin, 500 points
2. Baggett, 421
3. Webb, 419
4. Musquin, 408
5. Bogle, 368