Image: Simon Cudby.

Red Bull KTM’s Ryan Dungey is confident he can continue to challenge for the 2014 Monster Energy Supercross Championship coming off the back of a breakthrough victory in Indianapolis on Saturday night.

Dungey mastered the most technical track of the season for his first win of the year, climbing to second in the point standings after teammate Ken Roczen crashed out of the main event.

A mishap for series leader Ryan Villopoto forced him off the podium in fourth, enabling Dungey to close to within 23 points of the triple defending champion.

“This win was a long time coming,” stated Dungey. “It feels so good to finally be on the top step. The track was really tough tonight – it was very soft and technical with a lot of big ruts.

“We are only halfway into the season and I’m finally gaining some points toward the championship. My goal is to remain consistent as you never know what can happen with eight rounds remaining.

“I want to give a big thanks to the entire Red Bull KTM Factory Team for their hard work.”

Roczen meanwhile crashed with Villopoto out of the gates and then later exited the race altogether with a punishing fall on lap 13.

“I hit the ground pretty hard after my crash off the start when I got caught-up with Villopoto,” Roczen said. “I pushed hard for the next few laps, but then I cased a triple in a rhythm section which sent me flying over the ‘bars.

“I feel really beat up and am disappointed to not finish the race but am thankful I am okay and will be back to race Daytona.”