Chatter Box: Martin Davalos

Martin Davalos is one of the vets of the 250 class, and he gets another crack at it this coming season with Monster Energy Pro Circuit Kawasaki. Speed has never been an issue for the Ecuadorian, but staying healthy has been. Will the matchup with Martin and the Mitch Payton help him find the key to the front of the pack? As he mentioned to us as we were getting started, “I’ve been given a lot of chances…”

Vital MX: You’ve got a whole new team, new bikes, and new everything this year.

Martin Davalos: Yeah, new bike, new gear, new boots… Basically just getting used to it. I just got back from a month-and-a-half break. After Outdoors I went to visit my family in Ecuador and just kind of cleared my mind and came back fresh. Started up last week on Friday riding the new bike, just going to stick out for a week riding Outdoors and see how I adjust to the bike. But so far it’s going great. I’m loving the bike. I just can’t wait to start riding Supercross.

How much difference is this from what you were riding before?

It’s quite different. I was used to the Suzuki. I was with them for two years. Obviously it’s a completely different bike - new frame, and it handles quite different. I’m just excited to get used to the bike. We haven’t started testing. We haven’t done anything. I’m just basically learning every aspect of the bike. Get comfortable and start working.

You’re one of the vet guys in the 250 class. This is a huge hop for you, isn’t it?

Yeah, definitely. This is my last shot, I would say, just to achieve my dreams. I’m lucky enough to have the opportunity to ride for the greatest team out there with a background of a lot of championships. So it’s definitely a lot of pressure on my plate and I definitely want to do good for myself and obviously for the team. They believed in me and that means a lot. We’ve got to wait until Supercross starts to see what happens.

Is it intimidating going to that truck and seeing all the number one plates on the doors?

The first day I got there, yeah. It was a little different definitely. But now I’m getting used to it. The people that work there are really nice so far. I just can’t wait to start working closer towards them and working with Mitch and see how that goes for me.

So no Monster Energy Cup for you this time around.

No Monster Energy Cup. I’m kind of bummed out because last year with Suzuki and me being on the bike for a week… We did really good. I really wanted to do it this year but it was just rushing it too much for me, being a new bike and everything.