SUZUKI CELEBRATES MX ROOTS AT UNADILLA NATIONAL

AMX-10-Kyle Peters

Team Suzuki Press Office – August 13.

Alex Martin: 250 Class-7-10-7th Place
Fredrik Noren: 450 Class-12-8-11th Place
Kyle Peters: 250 Class-17-14-17th Place

The JGRMX/ Yoshimura/ Suzuki Factory Racing Team travelled to the Unadilla circuit this past weekend for round 10 of the 2019 Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship, and in conjunction with Unadilla MX’s 50th Anniversary, RM-Z250 teammates Alex Martin and Kyle Peters, along with RM-Z450 fill-in rider Freddie Noren, fought-hard in historically-inspired gear and livery that reflected the 1970’s in honour of Suzuki’s strong motocross history.

“Everyone did a great job with the 50th-anniversary graphics and gear,” said Jeremy Albrecht, Team Manager. “It was cool that so many people got involved. The fans really seemed to like the retro-themed bikes and gear.”

In the 250 ranks, Martin was eager to work on stronger starts for Unadilla after a couple of break-out rides at previous National stops. Martin’s focused efforts paid off, as he nearly earned the first moto holeshot as well as crossing the first turn around the top-five in both motos. He lacked urgency in the opening laps but found great speed as the motos went on. With 7-10 moto scores, the 29-year-old placed seventh overall.

“Unadilla is a difficult track,” said Martin. “The straightaways have long ruts, which is not something I usually see at many Nationals. It seemed like you had to be riding very much on the edge, letting it all hang out. We made some changes on the bike leading into Unadilla and I feel those updates helped with my starts.

“Alex had better starts, but he didn’t do as well as he wanted to,” added Albrecht. “He needs a little more speed at the beginning of the motos.”

Filling in for the injured Justin Hill, Sweden’s Fredrik Noren was ready to get back to racing after having a weekend off. Noren looked sharp in qualifying as he posted the eighth-quickest overall time. A poor start slowed his progress in the first moto but was able to rebound in the second moto to earn eighth place. ‘Fast Freddie’ finished 11th overall and sits ninth in the points standings. Noren continues to prove his talent and determination as a top-ten rider on his RM-Z450.

“I was feeling great in timed qualifying,” said Noren. “My start wasn’t good in the first moto and I fell once, but I made the most of it. All of the guys on the team are awesome! I am really enjoying the weekends and looking forward to the last two rounds.”

Suzuki RM-Z250 rider Peters made improvements and big strides throughout the day. He is eager to earn a career-best in the 250 National series with two rounds remaining.

The JGRMX/ Yoshimura/ Suzuki Factory Racing Team will travel to Mechanicsville, Maryland on August 17th for the Budds Creek National, in what will be the penultimate round of the 2019 Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship.

Alex Martin [250 Class, 7-10 for 7th Place]:

“Unadilla is a very difficult track. The straightaways have long ruts, which is not something I usually see at many Nationals. It seemed like you had to be riding very much on the edge, letting it all hang out. I wasn’t able to do that this weekend. We made some changes on the bike leading into Unadilla and I feel those updates helped with my starts. I’m ready for Budds Creek.”

Kyle Peters [250 Class, 17-14 for 17th Place]: 

“I struggled. I wasn’t on my game like I should have been. It’s disappointing. I’m better than that. I’m going to keep working, and I’m happy to race again this next weekend.

Fredrik Noren [450 Class, 12-8 for 11th Place]:

“I was feeling great in timed qualifying. My start wasn’t good in the first moto and I fell once, but I made the most of it and finished 12th. I was around fourth off the start in the second moto. After a few laps in I got some help from a rider and went down hard. I was able to finish the moto in eighth. All of the guys on the team are awesome! I am really enjoying the weekends and looking forward to the last two rounds.”

Jeremy Albrecht [Team Manager]:

“The weekend wasn’t what we were hoping for. Alex Martin got better starts, but he didn’t do as well as he wanted to. He needs a little more speed right at the beginning of the motos. Freddie Noren felt good in the second moto and was running sixth, but he got hit and went down. He also crashed in the first moto and had to come back up toward the top ten. The track was challenging with all of the ruts and choppy sections. Kyle Peters had a great start in the second moto and then twisted his ankle in a rut. He did the best he could with a slightly injured ankle. We need to put it all together.”

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