Martin Barr has enjoyed a remarkable career in motocross, spanning more than 20 years a very high level. The Northern Irishman has achieved milestones that many riders from these shores can only dream of, but after dedicating the majority of his life to the sport, the curtain is slowly coming down on what has been an illustrious journey.
Barr has revealed that 2025 will be be his final season as a professional rider. Whilst Barr admits he still has the hunger to compete, the time has come to start prioritising family life. That said, he won’t be walking away completely, with plans to contest the odd race here and there, ensuring he remains connected to the sport he loves.
“I’m 38 in a few weeks time and I’m still enjoying it and all the rest of it… but I’m 90% sure this is going to be my final year as a full-time motocross rider, this is my 21st professional season so it’s not getting any easier”.
For Barr, the decision hasn’t come about due to a lack of desire, but rather the financial and practical realities of racing at the top level.
“Mentally I don’t think I’m ready to hang my boots up but just from a financial side of things it’s just getting tougher and tougher, so I guess I have to start thinking of my wife and kids and stop being as selfish because a motocross rider you have to be selfish. You have to put the work, effort and all the rest of it in. It’s obviously not an easy decision, I’ve had a really good career but it has to come to an end at some point. I’ll not be retiring completely, I might still do the Arenacross series if it goes ahead, the Scottish Championship, maybe an odd race here and there but as far as doing it full-time, week in week out, this is my final year”.
Even with that small window of doubt, Barr admits the industry has shifted dramatically in recent years, making it increasingly difficult for older riders to secure opportunities.
“There’s always that 10% you know but obviously from a team’s point of view hiring a 38 year old is not as inspiring for them. Obviously they want the younger riders coming through. I feel I’ve been there and done that… Yes, I’m still enjoying it and all the rest of it but the money’s not what it used to be. I had quite a good few financial years during my career but just the last few years haven’t been the same. Since Covid a lot has changed in teams, there’s not as many teams. There are some teams but they’re not proper teams doing it full time. You can see the calibre and obviously Conrad signed again for Honda. It’s a lot of fast guys there and it’s not getting any easier but to still be involved, I’m very proud of it”.
Looking ahead, Barr plans to continue working hard off the bike while investing more time at home with his family, though his connection to motocross will never be far away.
“I will be working away. I’ve got my track, I’ve got my training schools, I do robotic lawn mower so I’m pretty flat out. It’s just going to be nice to spend a bit more time at home. Obviously my little man, he’s starting to ride bikes now so I need to start saving if he’s going to start doing it but you know I’ll just take it as it comes. It’ll be nice to spend a bit more time at home rather than on the road so much but I’ll not be too far away from the paddock. I love the sport and it’s all I know. It’ll be different but I’ll still be enjoying it”.
If 2025 does indeed mark Martin Barr’s final year as a professional, it will close the chapter on one of the most successful and consistent careers in Irish motocross history. While stepping back from the grind of week-in, week-out racing, Barr’s legacy is firmly established, and his passion for the sport guarantees he will remain a familiar face in the paddock for years to come.
After being confirmed as part of the Irish team that’ll race the Motocross des Nations, his final race as a professional is likely to be at Ironman in America which will be a nice send off to what’s been a great career.
You can read our full interview with Barr, here.
