Suzuki's Alex Martin Storms to Second Overall at Hometown Track
Fredrik Noren Scores Another Top-Ten Finish in the 450 Class
Alex Martin (#26) stands at the podium, second overall, with the JGRMX/Yoshimura Suzuki Factory Racing Team crew.
Brea, CA (July 22, 2019) - The JGRMX/Yoshimura/Suzuki Factory Racing Team traveled to Millville, Minnesota this past weekend for round eight of the 2019 Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship. Alex Martin capitalized at his home track with podium finishes in each moto, resulting in second place overall on his RM-Z250. Teammate Kyle Peters nearly scored the holeshot in both motos, but was caught up in several crashes. Suzuki RM-Z450 rider Fredrik Noren continued to impress, earning another top-ten overall finish.
Martin grew up on the grounds of Spring Creek Raceway, and looked at home against a stacked 250 field. Despite a series of rainstorms that hit the Millville area delaying the event, “A-Mart” charged through the rough conditions to earn a runner-up finish in the first moto. Martin had a great start in the second moto, but was pushed wide through the first turn and had to take a fire road next to the track before re-entering. He fought hard up to a second-place finish. However, he was later penalized one position for his off-track excursion. The penalty did not diminish Martin’s spirits, as he still finished strong with second overall for the day.
“Things started off a little delayed at the home race due to weather, but I felt great on the bike right away and qualified third fastest,” said Martin. “The motos went very well, with two second-place finishes. It was unfortunate to get docked a position in the second moto. All in all, it felt awesome to finally get an overall podium for myself and the JGRMX/Yoshimura/Suzuki guys! I’m very excited with how things have been progressing.”
“Alex looked comfortable every time he went on the track,” added Jeremy Albrecht, Team Manager. “He had good starts in both motos. He was pushed off the track in the second moto and still moved up to second. Alex made good passes and was patient. He was very consistent. We had a shot at the overall, so that’s exciting. Martin has been in a podium position for the past four motos.”
Fredrik Noren (#101) delivers speed on his RM-Z450 in both moto starts.
In the 450 ranks, Fredrik Noren has done a commendable job while filling in for the injured Justin Hill. The Swede had two top-ten starts on his Suzuki RM-Z450, and finished seventh in the first moto. Noren looked even better in the second moto, until he collided with another rider. “Fast Freddie” fought up to 11th place to earn eighth overall and continue his top-ten streak.
“My first moto finish was better, but I honestly felt that I rode better in the second moto,” explained Noren. “Unfortunately, I ran into a rider who was down, which put me back. I am feeling more and more comfortable on the Suzuki RM-Z450 every weekend.”
Kyle Peters (#55) pushes through the rough Millville conditions on his RM-Z250.
The time off between RedBud and Millville helped Kyle Peters recover from previous rounds. Peters had great starts but will be aiming for more career-bests this next weekend at Washougal.
The JGRMX/Yoshimura/Suzuki Factory Racing Team will travel to Washougal, Washington on July 27 for the ninth round of the 2019 Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship.
Please visit www.jgrmxraceteam.com for more team news.
Photos by BrownDogWilson.