Image: Simon Cudby.

Red Bull KTM Factory Team rider Ryan Dungey last Saturday sealed the first ever 450SX Class AMA Supercross title for the Austrian brand when he put himself in an unbeatable points position with a second place at Houston.

Winning the title marks a milestone for KTM and Dungey succeeded with three rounds still in hand. He has been on the podium for 13 of the 14 rounds so far this season, including six wins.

The result is an outstanding achievement for KTM, which signed Roger De Coster from Suzuki in 2011 and was able to gain Dungey’s signature for the following season in 2012.

“To win any world championship is an outstanding success and is of immense importance for KTM, but the US supercross title is very special and highlights our huge commitment in the worldwide motocross sport,” said KTM CEO Stefan Pierer.

“With tenacity we made it to the top in this sport, which releases a vast amount of emotions. I would like to thank all those that have been involved and helped to push forward this extremely important project, and of course, I’d like to thank Ryan who has had a great season in 2015.”

Head of KTM Motorsports, Pit Beirer, added: “One of my personal dreams came true today. We started our supercross race department completely from scratch in 2011 and what has been achieved in this very short time is outstanding.

“The key to everything, and I call it the best trip of my life, was my first meeting with Roger De Coster in the summer of 2010. Together with Roger we have formed the best and strongest team you can imagine. From there our worldwide race network has become stronger and it has been a 24-hour effort each day.

“With the full commitment of our R&D and Motorsports departments in Austria and the USA, we managed to create the best bike in a short time. However, we cannot perform without the best riders on our bike, which is why we are thankful to Ryan. He trusted us at a very early stage of the project.

“Ryan has set some major milestones for our company – first 450 SX win, first professional motocross championship title and now he has brought our final goal of the 450 Supercross title. I would like to say thank you team and thank you Ryan.”