Team Suzuki Press Office – August 19.
Alex Martin: 250 Class,18-3 for 9th.
Fredrik Noren: 450 Class,15-13 for 13th.
Kyle Peters: 250 Class,14-19 for 17th.
Enzo Lopes: 250 Class,17-18 for 18th.
The JGRMX/ Yoshimura/ Suzuki Factory Racing Team travelled just outside of Washington D.C. to the famed Budds Creek circuit in Mechanicsville, Maryland at the weekend for the penultimate round of the 2019 Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship where Alex Martin led the charge on his Suzuki RM-Z250, scoring a podium finish in the second moto.
Teammate Enzo Lopes made his return to racing after a three-month hiatus and earned points, while Kyle Peters remained consistent. RM-Z450 fill-in Fredrik Noren fought-hard through the challenging conditions and moved up in the overall points standings.
In the 250 class, Martin overcame a tough first moto that included a first turn crash, followed by colliding with another rider. A-Mart rebounded by nearly earning the second moto holeshot and running in second position for most of the race. He settled in for third, notching his fifth podium finish this season. His 18-3 moto scores were good enough for ninth overall.
After fracturing his wrist at the Houston Supercross in March, Lopes was determined to race his RM-Z250 again before the 2019 season concluded. The Brazilian’s hard work paid off, as Lopes lined up for Budds Creek and managed to score National points.
Meanwhile, Peters showed improvements this weekend. Both Lopes and Peters are looking to finish out the season strong at the Ironman National next weekend.
Sweden’s Fredrik Noren came into Budds Creek with a minor shoulder injury sustained while practicing on Thursday before the race. He was able to push through the pain in both motos, with close to two top-ten finishes, and move up to a valuable eighth place in the overall points standings on his RM-Z450. Noren is determined to stay healthy for Ironman and continue his progression as a top-ten rider.
The JGRMX/ Yoshimura/ Suzuki Factory Racing Team will travel to Ironman Raceway in Crawfordsville, Indiana, on August 24th for the final round of the 2019 Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship.
Alex Martin [250 Class, 18-3 for 9th Place]:
“I definitely had some highs and lows at Budds Creek. I didn’t get the greatest start in the first moto and got caught up in some carnage on the first lap. Then, on the eighth lap, another rider made a mistake and cleaned me out. I was only able to salvage a few points. The second moto was better all around. I had an awesome start and ran second the majority of the moto before getting passed with a few laps to go. It felt good to get that JGRMX/ Yoshimura/ Suzuki RM-Z250 up on the podium in one moto this weekend.”
Kyle Peters [250 Class, 14-19 for 17th Place]:
“I rode well in the first moto and came from the back of the pack to pass some fast guys. I didn’t have any energy the second moto, which made me really dizzy. I got an infection from a blister at Washougal a few weeks ago that developed into a cyst on the ligament of my left middle finger. That’s why I was prescribed antibiotics. My finger is still really tender. I’ll need to get surgery after the season is over.”
Enzo Lopes [250 Class, 17-18 for 18th Place]:
“It felt really good to line up again after my injury at the Houston Supercross. I haven’t raced in three months, so I knew I was in for a challenge. However, I felt like I was physically and mentally ready for battle. Unfortunately, my moto scores weren’t what I was expecting. The second moto would have gone way better if I didn’t get big blisters all over my hands by the 10-minute mark. Motocross isn’t supposed to be easy. I’ll get my hands healthy again and come out swinging at Ironman. I have to give a huge thanks to the whole team for all of their hard work. Without them things wouldn’t be possible!”
Fredrik Noren [450 Class, 15-13 for 13th Place]:
“It was a tough weekend. I had a hard practice crash on Thursday. I was unsure how I would be able to race. Decent starts helped, but I fell in both motos and had to work my way through the pack. I did my best and was able to move up a position in the overall points standings. The plan is to rest up and try to be fully healthy for the last National.”
Jeremy Albrecht [Team Manager]:
“Alex Martin had a really good second moto. He was going fast, had a good start, and made moves early on. We’re looking to build on that. Freddie Noren had a crash on Thursday and his shoulder was banged up. Our physical therapist worked on his shoulder, and he was able to get through the weekend. He had a few crashes early in the motos that hurt him in the results. Kyle Peters rode hard despite a hand issue. Enzo Lopes had his first race back and was inside the top 20 in both motos. It’s tough to come out that late in the season when everyone else is already up to speed. We intend on finishing the Nationals strong.”
