Interview with Jacky Martens
Where does a former motocross world champion find satisfaction after his sporting career? What is it like leading one of the best motocross teams in the world? We asked Jacky Martens (54) from the Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing team.
The hectic first European GP of the season in Valkenswaard takes place in Martens' backyard. The weather is typical for the Low Countries at this time of year. Sun and milder temperatures alternate with cold, rain or even worse. This is not noticeable in the large, ultra-modern workshop of Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing. Everything goes as usual, everyone has a job to do and it doesn't get busier than this time of year.
Jacky Martens, who became the first modern four-stroke world champion in 1993, beams when he sees how visitors are impressed by his building and his organization. More than right, by the way. The four world titles, many GP victories and podium places also speak for themselves. In silence, Jacky is very proud because he knows very well how much time and energy it took to develop JM Racing into what it is today. Although with the necessary small and not so small bumps in the road. Like a fire last winter. Fortunately no major drama, but a lot of work in an already stressful period. But this also applies here; the show must go on!
It's quite a historic year. After all, it has now been 25 years since you became world champion.
Jackie Martens: “Indeed that is correct. Actually, I hadn't thought about that myself. It remains a nice memory of course. Especially because I won the title with Husqvarna and now we have been working with Husky again for 5 years!”
You have always been very closely involved in the field of technology, whether it concerns the engine block or suspension. You also made parts yourself. As a factory team, the way of working is probably very different now
Martens: "That's true. We communicate constantly with the factory in Austria. If we have an idea, Husqvarna will explore it thoroughly. How could it work in practice and especially how can we guarantee reliable power? Once they have new parts, they are intensively tested on the test bench and by the test drivers in Austria. The entire cycle takes about a year. If everything is approved, the factory riders will receive the new stuff.”
Colleagues such as Roger Decoster still spend a lot of time in the workshop producing parts themselves. Is that an aspect of your job that you miss?
Martens: “I'm actually still working on that. That is the best way to keep up with technology. Now the focus is more on refinements and making components work better together. There are so many completely new things that can no longer be invented! In terms of R&D, they have understood it perfectly at Husqvarna. They are open-minded, they want to try new things and they don't beat around the bush. Long ago - I started my own team in 1993 - I was constantly thinking about improvements. I was busy making pieces until late at night and worked long hours on my own. Now I still make certain things myself, even if it is only as a setup for myself or I make a design that we deliver to the factory. In this way a very interesting process begins. Especially through the collaboration with young technicians. Such as within our team and at Husqvarna. Young people view the same problems differently, they have different references and different experience. Together we sometimes come up with new solutions. That works great, I think the results speak for themselves!”
Last year Thomas Kjer Olsen made a strong entrance into MX2. What is the situation now, as he starts the championship as one of the title contenders.
Martens: “We have worked with many rookies in the past and we always try to prepare them as best as possible for their first GP year. If you have worked hard in the winter and you are ready for that first Grand Prix, it takes a lot of pressure off. By immediately running at the front, you also gain more confidence. TKO was also there immediately, so that worked out well. The only downside was that it was a very long and tiring season for him. Olsen had been working hard since October and November 2016. Okay, there were also rest periods, but in the end he was physically exhausted. Now Thomas follows a schedule like we use for every GP rider. With the right people around you, and specialists in each domain, it is possible to perform consistently for an entire season. This guidance is so important that every rider also has his own trainer. Rasmus Jorgensen coaches Thomas Kjer Olsen and Joël Roelants trains Thomas Covington.”
Olsen has often shown that he is physically strong. What about between the ears? Now that there is that additional pressure to drive for victory?
Martens: “TKO is very down to earth. He trains hard and knows exactly what he wants. Unlike some other young riders, he won't just get carried away. And of course we are also there to ensure that he stays with both feet on the ground.”
What makes TKO so good in your opinion?
Martens: “Thomas has always lived for his sport, he is very dedicated. Even if he didn't have the best equipment or wasn't in very professional teams. He always had to fight. If such a rider gets the chance to ride in the best conditions, you can make great strides. That is motivating and gives even more energy. That way the ball starts rolling automatically.”
The early results may be disappointing to some fans but given his late start it is certainly no surprise.
Martens: “That's true, it's actually perfectly normal. Thomas was unlucky to hurt his knee at the MX of Nations, his last race of 2017. First of all, we are very happy that his recovery has gone better and faster than expected. However, you can't forget that he has only been back on the bike since mid-January. You cannot simply wipe away the two months he is behind other drivers. The typical pre-season ailments he has, such as sore arms, can only be remedied by running the engine for hours. Still, he is certainly going in the right direction. I think he is doing well and actually it is already 'fancy' where he is now. In the coming weeks I expect that he will certainly get back up to standard.”
How would you describe Covington?
Martens: “He is very professional. Since coming to Europe, Thomas has also become a much more complete rider. I think the results show that it is a winner. Unfortunately, he had some bad luck last year with a few falls and a knee injury. However, we are very happy with both drivers. We know that they are both capable of reaching the top 5 and more than that. Although we are convinced that there is more to it, we prefer to let the results speak for themselves!”
You recently talked about passing on experience to young technicians. Do you miss working with young riders who are trained like you did for many years in the EMX250?
Martens: "No. We have also worked with very experienced riders such as Yves Demaria. Ultimately you have to look past that age. What can we help riders do to improve? What I learned before with other riders still helps me today. We continuously build on that experience. That is a kind of human capital. Look at teams like Rinaldi Yamaha or Sylvain Geboers' team in the past, that experience makes a team just as strong.”
Can you compare Covington and Olsen with other top players who competed for JM Racing?
Martens: “It actually comes down to keeping people 'busy'. By that I mean that they don't get bored with what they do. For young riders going to school, sport was just one aspect of their lives. When you become a professional motocross rider, only the sport in your life matters. That's why you need the right people around you. When you have a program to follow, it's impossible to get bored. It will be busy enough anyway! That way there is no room for distraction.”
What do you think of the track in Valkenswaard?
Martens: "I think it is fantastic. Even with rain like we have had now, the club is very experienced. They know what to do to prepare the track. I think we're going to have some great racing this weekend! Valkenswaard is an absolute classic, the audience is also close to the action and everyone is very involved. Of course because Jeffrey Herlings is the home rider, Tony Cairoli is also very familiar with these conditions. Especially after that spectacular MXGP of Argentina, everyone is really looking forward to Valkenswaard!”
Although your team is based in Lommel, there is a strong bond with the Netherlands through the many sponsors and friends from across the border. Is it true that you were actually born in the Netherlands?
Martens: "Almost! I was born on the border. Valkenswaard is certainly a great location for our team. It is centrally located for many people and is also nicely scheduled on the calendar. After Argentina, people want to see the GP riders working close to home.”
We are looking forward to that too! Thank you for your time and good luck this weekend.
Martense: "Thanks you're welcome!"
Text: Tom Jacobs
Photos: shotbyBavo, JP Acevedo
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