Martens to Take on the Aussies

Martens to Take on the Aussies

Andy McGechan

AUGUST 8, 2012: Multi-time New Zealand motocross champion Ethan Martens has his sights set on Australia.

The 20-year-old Yamaha ace will shortly cross the Tasman to tackle the remaining two rounds of the Australian Motocross Championships, starting with the ninth round of 10 at Moree, in New South Wales, on August 19.

“I’ve always wanted to race over there and this is a chance for me to test the waters, so to speak, perhaps ahead of racing a full season campaign next year,” he said.

Martens’ plan has two aims, to warm up for the nationals at home and to introduce himself to the movers and shakers in the sport in Australia.

“I just need to get a roll on ahead of the upcoming New Zealand Motocross Championships and also get my foot in the door in Australia.

“I will have a factory Yamaha provided for me, so that should be fine. I’m working full-time now, as a truck driver, so it has been a matter of squeezing in bike practice at the weekends and I’ve really been motivated for that.

“Driving a truck for 55-hour weeks makes you hungry for a bit of motocross racing at the weekends. I’ve learned to be pretty disciplined. I have to get to get out of bed by 5am and I’m not wasting any of my day after that.”

Martens will race a Yamaha YZ250F in the MX2 class in Australia, the same model bike he has been racing with great success in New Zealand.

“I don’t know what to expect from racing in Australia ... maybe I can achieve fifth to 10th and maybe finish among the top five a couple of times ... I need to turn a few heads. I should be on the pace. I’ll certainly be there to give it a good crack.”

Martens has also been training on sand tracks in preparation for the final round of the Australian nationals, set for Coolum, in Queensland, on August 26.

Fellow Kiwi Josh Coppins (Yamaha YZ450F) currently leads the MX1 class, the Motueka man a solid 12 points ahead of Australian rival Todd Waters.

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