Photo by: Hoppenworld
Since leaving his family and friends in Ecuador to pursue his American Supercross and motocross dreams and turning pro way back in 2006, Martin Davalos has been in the 250 class minus a select Monster Energy Cup ride—where he finished 4th—on the 450. Not only has he never really raced the 450 outdoors, but he has also always been known as somewhat of a Supercross specialist, so his ride to the front of the 450MX class during the 2017 Lucas Oil Pro MX Championship has been a complete surprise to most.
With Martin looking to show everyone he has 450 skills, he talked the Rockstar Energy / Husqvarna team into getting him a 450 ready for the outdoor season, and after nine rounds, it looks like that was a great decision for all involved. It was a slow start for the #30, and for the first six rounds, he was generally a 9th to 15th place rider, but since round seven at Southwick, Martin has turned the corner on the big bike. Since the series arrived at Southwick, Martin has gone 7-4-11-4-4-3, and he just scored his first-ever overall podium with a 3rd overall at the Washougal National.
At a track that he has never particularly shined on, Martin got great starts in both motos—even holeshotting moto 2 and leading three laps—and he looked comfortable with the pace at the front all day long. It was a breakthrough ride for the rookie 450 rider and one that might just get him the 450 offer he needs to let go of the 250 class once and for all.
After the podium celebration was over, we caught up with Martin inside the press tent to talk about his rookie year on the 450, his podium on the day and what it all means about his future in the class.
Martin, congrats on your day. You ended up with a 4-3 for third overall, and the first podium of your rookie 450 career.
Yeah, I can’t really complain. I’m just so proud of myself, proud of the team and how far I’ve come this year with learning the bike. It was a last minute deal. It’s been an amazing journey for me. Hopefully, I can continue to get better and better.
Everything about your day today was strong.
My starts were on point today, and that’s what I’ve been struggling with. I’m really trying to learn the power of the bike. But, yeah, today was awesome. I’m super super proud of myself.
Is this a track you normally like? I don’t remember if this was a track you did well at in the past, but you were good today.
I like it. It’s challenging with the shade. That kind of makes it tough, but I like the last six rounds. They really fit my riding style well. I really like Unadilla, Budds Creek and Ironman. I don’t think it’s all about liking the track, it’s about coming in with a positive attitude. You have to try to make the best of it. Today was… Gosh, it was amazing. This is kind of like my first win on the 250. It’s just amazing. It’s really deep field and I got a great start, and I rode well. I had a lot of pressure from Blake [Baggett] from the get go, and I felt like I rode well. I’m so proud of myself.
You say you are proud of yourself, but has this recent success on the 450 been a surprise to you at all? At the last three rounds, you have been near the front and each time you seem to get more and more comfortable being there.
To be honest with you, today I wanted to try and put in a charge but I still don’t know how hard I can go on that bike. In the first couple laps I didn’t know how hard I should charge, but it was great to run up front and see the pace. I know what kind of work I need to do. It’s been a great experience. I’m pumped!
You have obviously impressed a lot of people with your rides on the 450 in 2017. I guess my question is, have you talked to any teams or gotten anything locked down with a team to ride the 450 in 2018?
No man, just going with the flow and hoping for something. I’m living in the moment, and that’s all I can really do. I can’t ask for anything else. Whatever comes, comes. I’m hoping for the best.
Have you thought much about the future and whether you want to ride 450 or 250 in 2018? Or is that just take it as it comes as well?
Man, this sport is brutal and there are so many great riders. Whatever I comes or whatever opportunity I think I can get, is something that I’ll be grateful for.
I’m trying to find out who might be racing the USGP. Are you and the team planning on racing it?
I haven’t really heard anything—I’m not sure. I know that a lot of the European people are coming and the rig will be going, but I have no idea what is going to happen. It should be interesting, but I still have to talk to the team and see.
I appreciate your time today and congrats on the podium.
Thank you.
