Ryan Villopoto earned his first premier class motocross title last night at the Pala Raceway in California. Villopoto, who also won the 2011 Supercross title, was able to keep Ryan Dungey at bay during the final round of the 2011 MX season with a 1-3 finish.
"I felt good in the first moto, and I went into the second just looking to stay out of trouble," RV said. "If it weren't for Dungey's DNF at Texas, I would have come up a little shy [of the title]. But, things like that happen. The turning point was at Unadilla, when we brought out our new bike. We made a lot of progress there."
Dungey won both the Motocross and Supercross championships in 2010, but he had to settle for second behind RV in 2011. Dungey came into the round trailing the champ by 14 points. Dungey finished the first moto in second behind Villopoto which practically eliminated his chances at a championship.
But the Suzuki rider dug into the dirt during the second moto and took the race win. Dungey ended the season on a high note, but Villopoto's third place finish in the second moto easily secured the 2011 Motocross title.
"It's been a long, hard-fought season," Dungey said. "I'm bummed I couldn't come out on top, but I'm still happy... This is definitely the toughest season of my career. I know I gave it my all, and did everything I can, so I can walk away happy knowing that."
Chad Reed, who looked like the championship favorite for much of the season, ended the day with a 12-4 finish and third overall in the championship.
