Martin Davalos had always been fast. The problem was, he had a tough time capitalizing on that in the main events. In 2014 he finally broke through, and was leading the 250SX East Region Championship before a brutal testing crash ended his year. He was a non-factor last year while dealing with the Epstein-Barr virus. A lot of time had passed since he showed up at a race healthy, so it was hard to predict what would happen at the 2016 250SX East opener in Atlanta.
Well? The Rockstar Energy Husqvarna rider apparently didn’t forget anything about how to win. He rode a solid 15 laps to kick off his season in the right way.
Racer X: Before we even get to tonight, the last time you were winning races, 2014 through now, you’ve been through hell between then and now.
Martin Davalos: Yeah, it’s been hell for me. Last time I won was with Mitch [Payton, Pro Circuit]. I was up top and then I got into that injury. I felt like the world just kind of went under me.
That wasn’t even your fault, right?
Yeah, it wasn’t even my fault. It was just a mechanical problem [that caused a crash]. So after that I decided to sign with Husqvarna and got myself into a big sickness problem, Epstein-Barr. I honestly didn’t believe in that sickness. Actually in Ecuador we don’t even know what it is! My mom was like, what is that? So it’s been a tough time. I’m so glad that I have this team behind me. Bobby Hewitt has believed in me throughout the years. I’m so happy that we were able to win tonight. It was an awesome night for us, good starts and we stayed out of trouble. So, I’m happy.
For that much time off and a rough year last year, did you come in thinking, I want to win the opener? Or were you just like, just get a podium, just get a result?
Obviously we all want to win at the end of the day, but this is a long series and there’s a lot of fast people. I just wanted to ride my own race. That’s my plan from now on. I just want to do me and every single lap worry about myself. I think with good starts and putting myself in good positions I think all the hard work will show.
We’ve seen you win a lot of heat races, go fast in practice, but this was a solid fifteen in the main. You used to always run into trouble in the mains. Is there something you’ve changed now to make those fifteen laps go just like the heat and just like the practice?
I think it’s a little bit of a belief. I believe that I have a great program right now. I believe that I’m surrounded with great people. I believe I can do it. I’ve gone through hell, man. I know I have a lot of people that doubt me. It’s been tough. I come from a small country and it’s cost me a lot to climb these steps and become somebody in this sport in America. I’m proud of myself and I’m proud of always fighting and giving everybody hell as much as I can. I’m happy that I’m in this position. Hopefully I can make the team proud and keep it rolling.
Do you feel different when you’re leading these things compared to five years ago when it always seemed like something would always go wrong?
I think I’m more mature. I’m an older person now. I’ve been around. A lot of people don’t really understand. I came here when I was 16. My amateur career was so short. It happened so quickly. It’s cost me a little bit to learn. Obviously we all know that we all need a little bit of luck also in this life, and I feel like if I put myself in the right situation I think we can be fine.
You’re working with Tim Ferry now, and you’ve moved to Florida?
Yeah, I moved to Florida at the end of last year. Obviously the doctor said I needed to start taking it easy and started back riding. So we just kind of decided to go and do a few outdoors. No pressure, just kind of go in and ride. I did Vegas [Monster Cup] and broke my thumb. After that we had a really good off-season and put in solid work with Timmy. It definitely paid off.
What do you get from him?
I think managing the race. Timmy’s been in different positions and he’s won championships. He’s been in this sport for a while. So it’s good to have his feedback and I really trust what he says. I really listen to the feedback that he has for me. I’m super blessed that I have him and his wife and his family working with me. They are awesome people.
Where do you actually live? Do you live by him in Tampa area?
I actually live in Clermont.
Like everybody else.
Yes, Clermont seems like the motocross world now. But I love Florida. It’s awesome. It’s been awesome for me. I’m excited for Daytona.
That’s a home race now.
Yeah, home race for us. We just get up in the morning and drive.
