Page 14 - Issue_56

MARTIN DAVALOS
450 MX / 3RD
IMAGE / LANNAN WORDS / HARNISHFEGER DESIGN / TILLS
>> Martin Davalos’ rookie season in the 450 class has been a work in progress. Many were interested in seeing how Davalos would fare in the bigger class after so many years in the 250s and aboard his Rockstar Energy Husqvarna, he set out to show everyone why he should have been out there sooner. The first half of the season was a bit shaky from the rider from Ecuador. He only had two top ten finishes in those first six rounds but he did have flashes of potential here and there. He just could not finish motos strong or pair two good ones together. This would all change at Southwick where he would go 7-4 for fifth overall while charging hard up to fourth in that second moto. Then after an eleventh in moto one at Millville, he rebounded with another very strong fourth place in moto two. He has begun to figure out how to close out races and he was excited to keep improving at one of his best tracks, Washougal.
Davalos continued his upward trend of speed Saturday morning in qualifying practice by notch- ing the third fastest lap time. He looked smooth and strong on the tricky Washougal course and was ready to show everyone what he’s got come race time.
Davalos rocketed out of the gate in moto one right into second place. He tried keeping pace with leader Marvin Musquin but lost tail just a bit. Then on lap three, points leader Eli Tomac came storming by to steal second place away. Davalos did not stay in third for very long be- cause Honda’s Cole Seely would also sneak his way by moving him back to fourth. From there, Davalos decided to hold strong and not move back any further. He locked into that fourth-place position and distanced himself from the rest of the pack. He kept Seely honest the remainder of the moto but could not get close enough to make a move. He’d finish there in fourth which is al- most becoming the norm for him. He was eager to get out and have a similar ride in moto two. When the gate dropped for the second moto, a white Husqvarna flew into the first turn first and that bike was piloted by Martin Davalos. He ripped the holeshot and immediately built up a three and a half second lead over the field. He looked like someone that had been there before while up running up front. However, his fun would be spoiled by Musquin a few laps later when he would make the move for the lead. He sent Davalos back to second who then got shuffled back to third by Tomac the following lap. Davalos then felt pressure from Blake Baggett but he held his ground and thwarted every pass attempt by the KTM rider. Davalos eventually pulled away from him and maintained the third-place position all the way to the finish to secure his first podium on a 450 and first in any class since 2008! He would officially finish the day 4-3 for third overall and is certainly beginning to turn heads in the 450 class.
14 GRITMOTO • JULY 31, 2017