Interview: Martin Davalos
By TMX Archives on 26th Mar 15
Husqvarna Motorsport News sat down recently to talk to Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing Team's Martin Davalos about his season so far.
Husqvarna Motorsport News: You're a veteran of nine pro seasons and were previously a Rockstar Energy rider but this is your first with Husqvarna. What are your impressions about riding with a team that is the supercross ‘new kid on the block'?
Martin Davalos: I am very excited to be a part of Husqvarna and I think it's pretty cool that they have come back to a super competitive sport. They have done a great job with the bike and I feel like there is only progression coming in the future. I think it's cool to stand out and be on a new brand that is returning to the scene.
HMN: You have now had six starts in the 250-class East Coast series riding the FC 250. How do you like the factory bike and what is your goal for the competition for the remainder of the season?
MD: I have adjusted to the bike very well, especially with the little time I had from my last injury. The team has done a great job getting the bike to where it is competitive against the other brands. My goals are to get over this illness so I can perform to my best.
HMN: Yes, you recently were diagnosed with Epstein-Barr, what does the path to recovery look like for you?
MD: We sat down to figure out a strategy to get better. Unfortunately racing and training isn't making it easier on my body. We are trying to see what we are going to do for the future so I can be healthy for the upcoming races.
HMN: What has been your best race day out so far in the East Coast competition, and why?
MD: My best race was Atlanta 1 when I was just shy of the podium in fourth place.
HMN: What are you most looking forward to in the remaining rounds?
MD: I am looking forward to finish out my lites career and to move up to the 450 for outdoors, which I am very excited about. I have been riding the bike in preparation for the next step.
HMN: You came into the 2015 season after recovering from a serious injury, talk about the challenges of getting back on top of your game both on the bike and regarding fitness and mental motivation.
MD: It's been very challenging, especially since I nearly won the championship last year. Mentally and physically, it's been hard to get back to where I need to be following my last injury. Eating healthy has definitely been helping me a lot because I spent a lot of time on the couch while recovering from my foot injury.
HMN: You will be moving up to the big bike category in the motocross season and will be riding the FC 450, what are you most looking forward to in this competition?
MD: I really look forward to it; it's a new challenge, especially since I have been in the lites class for a long time. I feel like I ride the bike really well and have adjusted to it well, so hopefully I can have good summer.
HMN: What does being a national figure for the country of Ecuador mean to you?
MD: It means a lot to me to be able to represent my country in such a competitive world. I like being different and I am glad I am part of the sport. My fans from all over Latin America have been great supporters throughout my whole career.
HMN: Thank you Martin and all the best for the rest of the supercross season and of course also for the coming outdoors.
