Team Suzuki Press Office – June 4.
Alex Martin – 250 Class – 12-9 for 12th
Justin Hill – 450 Class – 12-11 for 12th
Kyle Peters – 250 Class – 18-20 for 20th
JGRMX/ Yoshimura/ Suzuki Factory Racing overcame challenges at Thunder Valley Raceway in Lakewood, Colorado this weekend for round three of the 2019 Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship with a top-10 place.
And, the mile-high altitude, and a severe afternoon thunderstorm, combined to make Thunder Valley the toughest race of the season so far as Suzuki RM-Z250 rider Alex Martin struggled to find comfort and finished just outside the top 10. Teammate Kyle Peters overcame a nagging injury to score valuable points, and in the 450 class, full-time rookie Justin Hill persevered despite several rear brake malfunctions to finish 12th overall.
Two-time 250 National series runner-up Martin was looking to repeat his second moto heroics from the Hangtown opener, where the Minnesota native finished second. Martin rounded the first turn in ninth and held that position as lightning caused an early end to the race. 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 10th 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.”
Hill and his RM-Z450 came into Thunder Valley with renewed expectations after scoring his best result of the season the prior weekend in California. The Oregon rider qualified fourth-fastest in the opening session but slipped back to 10th 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.
“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 either moto, which made things difficult. However, I rode through it and I feel good about my effort.”
It was a miracle that Suzuki RM-Z250 rider Kyle Peters could even race Thunder Valley, much less score points. After injuring his lower back, the prior weekend at Fox Raceway, Peters underwent intensive rehab in hopes of racing. The effort paid off: He battled to 18th place in the first moto and 20th in the second moto, for 20th overall on the day.
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.
Alex Martin [250 Class, 12-9 for 12th Place]:
“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.”
Justin Hill [450 Class, 12-11 for 12th Place]:
“I’m not happy with my results from Thunder Valley. 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 either moto, which made things difficult. However, I rode through it and I feel good about my effort.”
Kyle Peters [250 Class, 18-20 for 20th Place]:
“I knew that Thunder Valley was going to be tough. After hurting my back, the weekend before, I spent a lot of time getting therapy on my back in preparation for the race. Colorado was a struggle. I earned points, but I’m not racing just to get a few points. I’m capable of so much more. Thankfully, I have a weekend off to give my back a rest.”
Jeremy Albrecht [Team Manager]:
“We had a tough day in Colorado. All of the guys didn’t have very good starts, which meant that they had to dig deep and battle hard every moto for positions. Justin Hill, Alex Martin and Kyle Peters will all be in North Carolina this week, which will be good. We are going to put in the effort to be much better at Mt. Morris. All in all, Colorado wasn’t all bad, but as a team we expect more favorable results.”
