Team Rockstar Makita Suzuki’s Ryan Dungey dominated the field aboard his Makita tools tuned Suzuki RM-Z450, claiming victory at the 12th round of the 2011 AMA/FIM Supercross Championship at the Rogers Centre in Toronto, ON, Canada. Teammate Brett Metcalfe did not race, as he continues his recovery from a string of recent crashes, but hopes to return to action at next week’s event in Dallas.
Dungey rode strong all day, scoring the fourth best time in the afternoon qualifying and picking up a second-place finish in his heat race. In the main event, his Suzuki powered him out of the gate and into second place through the first turn. Dungey easily made his way to the front by the end of the first lap, which is where he stayed throughout the entire 20-lap main event. His bike performed flawlessly as Dungey threw down 20 strong laps on his way to a convincing first victory of the season. Dungey sits solidly in third place in the championship points and a mere eight points from first.
"We had a great day today,” said Dungey. “My Rockstar Makita Suzuki team did a great job setting my bike up for this track and I felt really comfortable all day. I knew going into the main that a holeshot was gonna be key. I got a good start and ended up second and was able to work my RMZ into the lead in the first lap. From there, I tried to put down the laps as best as I could – I tried to focus on my own race and not behind me. It was cool to be able to come around and get this first win. I’m very thankful. I couldn’t have done it without the help and support of my whole Rockstar Makita Suzuki team and my family. I’m really looking forward to Dallas. I was able to get a win there last year and it’s a great stadium; it’s new and big. The fans there are great and it’s always a good race."
The 2011 Rockstar Makita Suzuki team’s next event is Saturday, April 2nd, at the Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, TX.
Toronto Supercross Class Results:
1. Ryan Dungey
2. Chad Reed
3. Trey Canard
4. James Stewart
5. Justin Brayton
6. Nick Wey
7. Andrew Short
8. Kevin Windham
9. Ryan Villopoto
10. Cole Seely
2011 Supercross Class Standings:
1. Chad Reed – 236
2. Ryan Villopoto – 233
3. Ryan Dungey – 228
4. James Stewart – 216
5. Trey Canard – 214
6. Andrew Short – 159
7. Justin Brayton – 137
8. Kevin Windham – 134
9. David Millsaps – 128
10. Nick Wey – 109