Monster Energy Kawasaki’s Ryan Villopoto had a forgetful debut in the Outdoor National Championships in 2009. The 3-time 250 champion was primed to make a splash in the big class, but success was short-lived after he suffered a season ending knee injury after the second week of racing. Since rising to the premier class before the 2009 SX Series, Villopoto had yet to complete a full season on any circuit. Ryan was back and forth with Ryan Dungey in the 2010 SX season before an injury gave the championship to Dungey and wiped out Villopoto’s 2010 campaign for either championship.
When healthy, Villopoto has shown dominance at times, often easily running away with motos and overalls and it showed in 2011 when he took home both the SX and 450 class championship.
