Dungey VS Roczen

Ken Roczen vs Ryan Dungey

In 2010 Ryan Dungey had a year most riders could only dream of: winning the SX and MX titles in his rookie year. It's now 2014 and Ryan Dungey has 1 SX title and 2 MX titles to his name. When the defending champion pulled out of the season due to knee surgery, everyone had to have Dungey picked as the title favorite, and I have to say I had those thoughts as well. I had strong hopes for Eli Tomac, the defending 250 champion, but a late SX injury put those flames out.

The only other person I could see in the running with Dungey was Ken Roczen-former world MX champion. I knew he would be strong at the outdoors after seeing him ride a 250 for the last couple years (and at times posting better times than Dungey on a 450). 

Ryan Dungey (the 2010 and 2012 champion) came into this season with lots of confidence after finishing second in the 2013 Supercross season, and knowing Ryan Villopoto would be out for the season. He came out at round one going 3-1 and taking first overall. He showed that he is the guy to beat if anyone else wants a chance at this title. Ryan's finishes in the first six rounds are 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 2nd and 3rd. He is doing what Dungey does, which is to stay on the podium as much as you can. He has all but done that to this point, and it would be working if it weren’t for Ken Roczen who is pulling away little by little every race. Dungey needs to start making these wins happen and not just wait for the right time.

Roczen came out strong and was a corner away from winning both motos at Round 1 at Glen Helen. In his first 6 races he has placed 2nd, 1st, 1st, 2nd 1st and 1st. He is on his way to his first MX championship in America. Roczen has been the man this year and his results can back that up. I see no reason Kenny can't win this title he is proving that he does not just have speed, but also the consistency to do it.

photo credit (promotocross.com)