Five minutes with Marshal Weltin
Life as a professional motocross racer can change very quickly. Marshal Weltin has experienced this before. The sympathetic American was looking forward to a new challenge in the EMX250 together with F&H Racing. Due to the new age limit of 23 years, Marshal had to improvise. He completely changed course and is now aiming for a restart as a private rider in the American SX Championship!
The past 12 months have been an emotional rollercoaster for Weltin. He switched to the MX2 GPs with Jumbo No Fear Vamo Honda, had more mechanical problems than he would have liked, but also showed flashes of class such as his 5th place in Matterley Basin. Ultimately, he ended the season replacing Jed Beaton at F&H Racing. That translated into a strong finish to the championship. Weltin worked his way up to become a permanent fixture in the top 10. In Bulgaria he finished 6th in the final standings and in the last GP in Imola he repeated his best series ranking.
However, next season we will get to know a completely different Marshal Weltin. Can he also make a breakthrough in the SX? Before we start our conversation, Marshal asks what the weather is like here. Weltin has not forgotten the Low Countries yet!
How did you react when you heard the news about the new age limit in EMX250?
Marshal Weltin: “I was in dire straits for a while, I can tell you! And the team too. Together with F&H we looked at the option of riding the European MXGPs, but this late in the season there were no opportunities for Kawasaki to provide more support. Maybe I could have found an MXGP program through my own sponsors, but I didn't want to earn anything for another year.”
Did you actually put a plan B into action quite quickly?
Weltin: “It was the third weekend in October when everything I described above happened. My father was quickly won over by the idea of venturing into Supercross as a privateer. Gradually we made a plan, he was also willing to help with the budget. As wonderful as my dad is, I didn't want him to invest in my career again. You have to stand on your own two feet! I don't want to be a burden to my parents forever. When I contacted my old sponsors, to my great surprise, almost all of them were willing to help. Travis Beam of Live It Xtreme, a major bike shop, is the one who got the ball rolling. He supports me with two KTM SX-F250s and Scott bikes for my physical training. Many local businesses in Michigan also want to support me in my new adventure. In the meantime, I also have a fully equipped van to take to the competitions.”
You have also hired Broc Tickle as trainer/coach?
Weltin: “That's right, I know I have no time to lose. The idea is that with someone like Broc next to me I can learn faster and avoid rookie mistakes. That's why I traveled to California to prepare my SX season together with Broc. Broc monitors everything, both my physical training, the specific SX techniques but also the mental aspect. I have already learned a lot from him in that last area. Like the way you talk constructively to yourself in a competition. Don't focus on the fact that you are not allowed to make mistakes, but on what you need to pay attention to in order to do it right. That has already helped me a lot. Broc has a lot of discipline and is demanding.”
How do you like winter in California?
Weltin: "Excellent! We have a tough schedule every day, but to prepare for the season it is absolutely perfect here. The weather is of course much worse at home in Michigan, but I don't really miss the winter training in Lommel or Berghem, thank you!”
Where are you now with your 'retraining' as a supercrosser?
Weltin: “It's getting better, but I know the road is still long. Luckily I still have some time because I'm going to ride the East Coast championship. It's great to have good people like Tickle around me. I'm not starting from scratch either, a few years ago I also rode some supercross. That went well until I got hurt. The biggest difference for me is that you have to be more precise in terms of driving. I also feel like the KTM I ride now forces me to adjust my style a bit. The Kawasaki was a bit more forgiving but the KTM's frame is stiffer. The biggest challenge is the whoops.”
It seems that you are surprised by the support you receive as a private driver?
Weltin: “Actually yes! This exceeds my expectations in every way. Both from companies at home in Michigan and brands from the motorcycle sector. People also know that I am serious and that I am a worker so that certainly helps, but I also know that sponsorship will not last forever. At F&H Racing I experienced what it is like to drive in a well-structured team with good support. I want to get back to that situation as quickly as possible. The goal is to put myself in the spotlight so that I can make a substitute appearance if a place becomes available in a factory (supported) team.”
What do you expect in terms of results?
Weltin: "Hard to say. I would like to be around the top 10 at the start of the season. I know it's important to be regular, start well and qualify. But like I said, the goal is to get a place in a good team when a position opens up. That is also the goal that my sponsors have for me.”
Good luck Marshal!
Weltin: Thanks, don't forget to follow me on Instagram!
Tekst: Tom Jacobs
Photos: Marshal Weltin IG, shotbyBavo
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