Dylan Walsh has gained race-ride under former Motocross World Champion Jacky Martens JM Honda Racing in MXGP class 2020. Not only has the ride opened up opportunity for Dylan to race Honda’s 450, but also allows Dylan to learn, gain all important knowledge and guidance racing the premier class under Jacky whose credentials step back over 35 years within the GP paddock.
Having gained highlight of career winning 2019 Maxxis ACU British MX2 Championship, it was back to drawing board when his ‘019 Team Revo Husqvarna UK dissolved at end of season. Making decision to come back home to NZ, Dylan then raced 2020 NZ MX Nationals before heading to USA to take-chance on being in right-place-at-right-time if race-ride opportunity came up.
As it panned out- UK beckoned with ride available under MSR Redline Honda, prompting Walsh to make the switch, which then led to lucky-break to replace retiring Justin Lieber under Jacky Marten’s JM Racing.
Full credit to MSR Redline Matt Smith and ‘019 Team owner Mark Yates (Only Revo) for releasing Dylan to take up opportunity with Jacky, with options still remaining to race under them next season.
That’s alota changes in 8 months- actually phenomenal when COVID is added into ‘no racing’ equation. It most certainly speaks volumes on how determined Dylan is to make his future point upwards instead of spiraling out of control when everything turns ‘too hard’.
Dylan: “I’m super excited about this great opportunity! I realize it’s a big step but I’m motivated to work hard with the team to improve each time I’m out on track. I’ve only done a couple of weeks on the Honda 450, but even in stock trim it’s a very solid bike that’s easy to get used to. All of this would not be possible without Matt Smith Racing and Only Revo allowing me to grab this chance with JM Honda Racing, especially on such short notice so I’m very thankful for that.”
Jacky Martens: ‘”We’re really looking forward to having Dylan come on board. He has proven before that he has raw speed and is eager to learn. To fill in for a rider like Julien Lieber who started his third season MXGP is a big ask but that’s not what this is about”.
“‘We just want him to make the most of this experience and continue to make progress. Dylan immediately felt comfortable on the JM Honda Racing bike in testing so that’s been a nice introduction. A big thanks to Matt Smith (MSR Redline Motorcycles Honda) and Mark Yates (Only Revo) for their understanding and cooperation.” Courtesy: Motohead Mag.
With Dylan’s debut MXGP Round at Kegums, Latvia completed, Dylan and JM Honda Racing head to triple-header Rounds 6, 7 and 8 at Faenza, Italy this coming week on: September 6th, 9th and 13th before a double-header at Mantova, Italy on September 27th and 30th.
All learning curves aside, Dylan can be assured that he has his back covered given Jacky’s expertise guided 2019 MX2 runner-up Thomas Kjer Olsen to victory under JM Racing Team Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing MX2.
With surprise announcement in March 2019 that Husqvarna Motorsports would re-structure their Factory Racing for 2020 season, Jacky Martens completed own re-structure with JM Honda Racing and Honda. Suffice to say, Martens proven records as Motocross World Champion 500cc in 1993, to notching 17 podiums from 36 races last season with Olsen forms formidable basis of future victories with current JM Honda Racing rider line-up in 2020.
MXGP of Italy Round 6 September 6th
Words: Sharon Cox.
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