Suzuki's defending champion Ryan Dungey returned to victory lane at Thunder Valley last weekend.

Team Rockstar Makita Suzuki’s Ryan Dungey is hopeful that he can use his Thunder Valley victory as a platform to help him gain momentum for the second half of the Lucas Oil AMA Pro Motocross Championship.

Dungey was strong from the get-go in Colorado, going on to claim his first overall round win of the season in Colorado.

In moto one, Dungey fought through the top five to seal second, while the second moto saw him hit the lead in the early laps before going on to win and secure the overall.

“It means a lot to get this win,” said Dungey. “We’re five rounds in and I wish it could have come earlier, but that’s racing. I have to give it up for Team Rockstar Makita Suzuki – we’ve all been working our butts off.

“This win feels really good and I’d like to keep continuing it. My RM-Z450 was awesome. I want to thank the man above and my whole family, it feels good to get this one.

“I’m looking forward to Redbud. It’s a great track and one of my favourites. I was able to pull off wins in both motos there last year.

“Hopefully we have a little momentum from this one and I can pull off a couple more.”

Dungey remains third in the series, 21 points in arrears of Australia’s 450 Class series leader Chad Reed.