Page 30 - Issue_68

JEREMY MARTIN
250 SX / 5TH
IMAGE / KILPATRICK WORDS / MATTINGLY DESIGN / MOTOPLAYGROUND
>> From an outsider’s perspective, the two- fty division could be seen as a stepping-stone into the premier, four- fty division. It is rational logic when you think about it, as the smaller machines could be seen as a development in a processing stage of maturity and skill level. However, this isn’t the case; these guys are just as equipped and prepared as any rider on a larger machine, and at times, can run quicker paces than the elder class. And when viewing the riding style of Jeremy Martin, it’s apparent that there’s no lack of skill or desire, in comparison to anyone. He rides the 250 as if it’s the most powerful beast in the universe, man-handling the machine with all of his willpower. Throw- ing the chassis around all throughout practice, he was forcing the frame where he wanted. Every nook and cranny of this course would be used, as he searched for the fastest line around the track. Clocking in to the top twenty-two, he was pleased that the new format would be a chance for him
to showcase against the best in the division. The rst main saw Davalos out to an early lead, and Osborne, the other veteran of the division, trailing just behind. The track, already appearing a bit glossy, was beginning to slicken, as the laps would unfold. There would be a sea of chaos behind, with numerous riders from all brands hopping throughout the track. Ferrandis, Nichols, Martin, all jockeying for position lap after lap; with this duration of an event replicating a heat race, rather than a main event, the entirety was over in a heartbeat; he would go on to nish sixth. For the second round, the eld would bottleneck, with Austin Forkner and Zach Osborne looking to sprint early on. This portion was a bit longer, with stamina becoming more of a factor in this notion. Attempting the triple in, triple-on combination on the far side, each and every time he could land these absurd lines, he would etch away from the pack behind. With Colt Nichols at bay, he would hold off, and show
his true durability, reiterating the fact that he’s getting better with time; he would nish tenth. It was now time for the third moto, taking him back to his days an amateur; with consistency being key, he knew a solid start would be key. The holeshot and early lead was there, and besides a few minor hiccups in the whoops, his rst laps were solid. He would land it, and then continue to check boxes off of his list of goals; staying up, navigate the whoops, no variation in lap times. It would all ac- cumulate, putting him ahead of Colt Nichols, as time winded dowd; and taking him to the nal stripe, he would nish an astonishing rst! With all of the races coming into effect, it would place him with a fth overall, and a piece of momentum moving forward.
30 GRITMOTO • MARCH 4, 2018