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ALEX MARTIN
250 MX / 3RD
IMAGE / LANNAN WORDS / MATTINGLY DESIGN / MOTOPLAYGROUND
>> When looking around the modern sports world, you’re quick to realize how many analysts, fans, and teams alike, discuss the topic of “Home Field Advantage.” It’s a combination of being comfortable, familiarity, and boost from supporting cast, all in hopes of creating an advantage to the local product. But how about when the playing eld is actually your property? How much does the expectation truly rise? Well ask Alex Martin,
a man whose family owns the Millville complex, and the rider who has to deal with a bit of pressure racing in his true backyard. He didn’t let this thought enter into his head for 2019 however, and came to the line for the rst moto swinging. A ninth place start was a little uncharacteristic for the veteran, yet he remained composed, although the pace wasn’t to his liking. Battling with the likes of Colt Nichols and Joey Savatgy, he knew his line choice toward the end of the moto would be imminent, if he wanted to salvage a solid nish. De- veloping a rhythmic hop throughout these heaping rollers, he would attempt to stay on the balls of his feet as much as possible as the clock continued to count down. Soaring up the Red Bull uphill triple, his KTM would leap into the stratosphere, while pulling away from the young Honda rider of Chase Sexton. Sexton, keeping a constant presence of pressure, let Martin know who was behind in the closing moments. His cage wouldn’t be rattled how- ever, and Martin would go on to claim seventh. The second moto was a place for redemp- tion, a platform for him to display his true abilities in front of the crowd that knew him best. He established an early lead, but would quickly be overtaken by the Yamaha ride of Aaron Plessinger. Martin would really try and attach himself to the lanky Ohio native, seemingly inscribing notes into the bar pad of his handlebars. Ripping through the corners preced- ing the nish line, his effort and execution of these inside grooves were phenomenal, replicating a slot car hovering around the poles and banners of track limits. His pace was exceptional, however, Justin Cooper would close in as the race would wind down. Martin’s maturity would really rare its head, as he would fend off the charge from the sixty-two, and eye the prize at the checkered ag. He would end up taking second place, securing third overall for the weekend’s conclusion.
40 GRITMOTO • JULY 22, 2018