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A twelfth place start to begin the festivities wasn’t ideal, however Martin has never been one to bow down
to discouragement. The rage and intensity bottled up in the Minnesota native has been apparent with
every podium interview, and you could guarantee, he wasn’t going down without a fight. Digging into the Southwick soil with the might of his rear wheel, Martin revved the Yamaha for all she had. Inside, outside, eventually working his way inside the top eight, contesting Mitchell Oldenburg near the white flag. He would go on to finish a respectable seventh and look for moto two’s opportunity of redemption. A seventh place start for the second moto was definitely manageable for the 250 veteran, and something he could work with. Eighth place around ten minutes in, the number 26 was attempting to recreate the boost he had here many years ago, but the spark just wasn’t rekindling like he had hoped, yet. The Star Racing Yamaha was really working its tread
off, as the harsh sands were pulling the machine down, causing the engine to work overtime. The holes began to appear bigger to Martin, as his hopping attempts would bottom out and gravitational force would bear on his spine. However, his stamina would begin to kick into gear; all of those miles on the road bike were beginning to translate into increased positions. He would capture the Swiss import Arnaud Tonus, Joey Savatgy, and be the recipient of a Shane McElrath mistake. All in all, his effort would be rewarded with yet another podium finish, and fourth overall on the day.
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