JGRMX/Yoshimura/Suzuki Factory Racing Team Faces Challenges at Thunder Valley National

JGRMX/Yoshimura/Suzuki Factory Racing Team Faces Challenges at Thunder Valley National

RM-Z250 rider Alex Martin leads the Suzuki charge outside the Mile High City

Alex Martin (#26) flew to a solid result after overcoming adversity at Thunder Valley.

Brea, CA (June 3, 2019) - The JGRMX/Yoshimura/Suzuki Factory Racing Team traveled to Thunder Valley Raceway in Lakewood, Colorado this past weekend for round three of the 2019 Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship. The mile-high altitude and an afternoon thunderstorm combined to make Thunder Valley the most grueling race of the young season. Suzuki RM-Z250 rider Alex Martin struggled to find comfort and finished just outside the top ten. Teammate Kyle Peters managed a nagging injury to score valuable points. In the premier class, full-time rookie Justin Hill persevered to finish 12th overall as he continues to find his comfort on the 450.

Two-time 250 National series runner-up Alex Martin was looking to repeat his second moto heroics from the Hangtown opener, where the Minnesota native finished second in moto two. Martin rounded the first turn in ninth and held that position as lightning caused an early end to the first moto. In moto two, the 29-year-old showed glimpses of the raw outdoor speed he is known for, but eventually crossed the line in 12th place. His 9-12 scores placed him 12th overall.

Martin assessed his weekend, stating, “I was excited all week to race Thunder Valley, as I had been on the podium there the last three years and have good vibes with the track. Qualifying was better this week, with being fourth-fastest in the first practice and tenth in combined times. Unfortunately, the motos didn’t go well at all. We have some work to do to be competitive with the top guys.”

Class rookie, Justin Hill (#46) qualified well on his RM-Z450 and rode up through the pack in both motos.

Justin Hill came into Thunder Valley with renewed expectations after scoring his best result of the season the prior weekend in California. The Oregon native qualified his RM-Z450 fourth-fastest in the opening session, but slipped back to tenth in combined qualifying as the track conditions changed. Despite a dismal midpack start in the first moto, Hill fought up to 12th position. He made slight improvements in the second moto to earn 11th place. His 12-11 scores were good enough for 12th overall and leaves room for significant improvement.

“I’m not happy with my results from Thunder Valley,” stated Hill. “I’m bummed out, because I felt like it was my day. I had good speed early on. I somehow didn’t have any rear brake in either moto, which made things difficult. However, I rode through it and I feel good about my effort.”

Kyle Peters (#55) overcame his Fox Raceway injury to score championship points in Colorado.

It was surprising that Suzuki RM-Z250 rider Kyle Peters could even race Thunder Valley, much less score National points. After injuring his lower back the prior weekend at Fox Raceway, Peters underwent intensive rehab in hopes of racing. Kyle battled to 18th place in the first moto and 20th in the second moto, for 20th overall on the day. Kyle looks to regroup during the off-week.

There will be a one week break before the JGRMX/Yoshimura/Suzuki Factory Racing Team visits High Point Raceway in Mount Morris, Pennsylvania on Saturday, June 15th. This will serve as the fourth round of the 2019 Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship.

Please visit www.jgrmxraceteam.com for more team news.

Photos by BrownDogWilson.