How is it that this rookie is moving up, seemingly getting stronger and more confident by the race, while the other kids seem to be struggling with the grind of the summer-long motocross tour? He asked some very smart people for help, then followed their advice.
“I was struggling at the beginning of the season. I wasn’t breathing and my technique was just off,” Martin said at the post-race press conference. “With the help of the whole Star Racing team and the Carmichael farm [in Florida], I was able to turn it around midseason. Now we’re able to see the results.”
Jeremy Martin is making a strong case for 2013 Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Rookie of the Year honors.
Andrew Fredrickson photo
He's also getting help from a fellow rider from the Land of 10,000 Lakes: “Riding with Ryan [Dungey] every day at the farm, it’s a big help. I’ve learned a lot from him. We both push each other big-time.”
Martin, the younger brother of Alex and the son of Spring Creek track owners John and Greta, has always been known as a hard worker and fast kid, but he was often overshadowed coming up through the ranks. Now he's in the lead mix, having led both his home race in Minnesota as well as Saturday at Unadilla.
With four motos to go in this series, it's going to be hard for any other rookie to make as big an impression as Jeremy Martin has this season.