Team Suzuki Press Office – July 23.
Alex Martin – 250 Class – 2-3 for 2nd
Fredrik Noren – 450 Class – 7-11 for 8th.
Kyle Peters – 250 Class – 17-15 for 15th.
JGRMX/ Yoshimura/ Suzuki Factory Racing Team’s Alex Martin raced to second position at his home track with podium finishes in each moto, resulting in second place overall on his RM-Z250 at Millville, Minnesota for round eight of the 2019 Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship this weekend.
Teammate Kyle Peters nearly scored the holeshot in both motos but was caught up in several crashes as Suzuki RM-Z450 rider Fredrik Noren continued to impress, earning another top-10 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 a 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.”
In the 450 ranks, Fredrik Noren has done a commendable job while filling in for the injured Justin Hill. The Swede had two top-10 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-10 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.”
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 27th for the ninth round of the 2019 Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship.
Alex Martin [250 Class, 2-3 for 2nd Place]:
“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. 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.”
Fredrik Noren [450 Class, 7-11 for 8th Place]:
“Millville was a good weekend, with putting in more solid results. My first moto finish was better, but I honestly felt that I rode better in the second moto. Unfortunately, I ran into a downed rider, which put me back to 11th. I am feeling more and more comfortable on the Suzuki RM-Z450 every weekend. This experience has been awesome! I’m looking for more at Washougal.”
Kyle Peters [250 Class, 17-15 for 15th Place]:
“The rain made conditions challenging. The schedule was weird. We had one 20-minute practice, that went pretty well. The track was one-lined, so it was tough getting a clean lap. I got off to a really good start and hydroplaned in the first turn. I ran off the track and couldn’t find anywhere to get back on. I fell four times in the first moto, pulled in for goggles, and to still get 17th was a surprise. I felt like I rode well. I lined up farther inside the second moto and had the biggest jump out of the gate, but I hit a soft spot halfway down the start. I ran third for a while. Once Alex [Martin] got by me I had a bit of an issue with my clutch-side grip and was in survival mode from there on out.”
Jeremy Albrecht [Team Manager]:
“All of the guys rode well during press day. They liked the track and their bikes. Alex Martin looked comfortable every time he went on the track. 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. Kyle Peters rode well, but he had an issue in the second moto that dropped him back.
“Freddie Noren crashed hard in the second moto, but it wasn’t his fault. He saw a new line, and another rider crashed right in front of him while he was taking that line. His bike was twisted up, but he charged hard. We all want better, but eighth place is still pretty good all things considered.”
