Ryan Dungey has cemented KTM as a contender in America during 2012. Image: Simon Cudby.

Ryan Dungey admits it’s a satisfying feeling as the rider who put KTM on the map in the premier class of American Motocross, picking up the Austrian brand’s first 450 Class outdoor title and supercross win in 2012.

The Red Bull KTM team leader was strong from the outset aboard the special ‘Factory Edition’ 450 SX-F, and in a revealing interview with Racer X Online this week (click here), Dungey speaks out about his achievements.

Following a debut season with KTM that exceeded expectations, Dungey is now able to reflect upon the challenge that was placed upon him and the team this year.

“There are some things we learned along the way as far as the bike that I wish we would’ve known at the beginning, but I feel like the bike was strong,” Dungey told Racer X Online.

“It was always solid. And being a part of a brand like this is really cool. They wanted more over here in America and to be a dominant manufacturer and to be on top and, to me, that’s about winning races and championships because that’s what I’m hired to do.

“And now, when I’m older or I’m done, I’ll be able to one day leave and they can get whatever top rider they want. It’s proven now.

“I really feel like this year was a great start, great momentum, and I’m really excited because we have notes under our belt so we have a lot of direction and we can make things better for years to come, especially next year.”

Along with his Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship win, Dungey also finished second in the Monster Energy AMA Supercross, an FIM World Championship, series.

Dungey will now set his sights on the FIM Motocross of Nations at Lommel in Germany on Sunday, 30 September.