An excited Martin Barr spoke of his hopes for the 2018 season when we caught up with him at the impressive Magilligan motocross facility to discuss signing for Revo Husqvarna for the 2018 and 2019 seasons.
After finishing runner-up in the 2018 MX2 British championship, the always down-to earth Barr is as motivated as ever to reach the top step and is relishing being back on the big stage, when he will race on the MXGP tracks once again as he contests the EMX250 championship.
And if all goes to plan the team and Barr should be racing the MXGP class in 2019!
“The team have welcomed me in really well, we all get on well.” says Martin. “The whole set-up is very, very professional. His son Sam, my mechanic Dan, they have really put stuff together that I am really happy about. Obviously the bike is the main change for me, getting on the Husqvarna. I am really happy to have such a good set-up and everything seems to be clicking at the minute.”
But he knows winning the British title won’t be easy. “It’s something I am really looking forward too,” he admits. “Especially giving the MX2 championship another bash. I was fourth in 2016, second in 2017 and I want to get that number one sport and I think I really have the tools to do the job now. It’s not going to be easy with the likes of Conrad Mewse but my winter training is already well under way and things have been going really well.”
Barr is also relishing the prospect of getting to race on some new tracks and face some new competition in the EMX250 category. “The package Mark put together was really good and to race EMX is fantastic.” enthuses the Ulsterman. “I’ve been doing the British championship scene now for a few years, we are always at the same tracks, we know who is fast on each track and know what way it is cutting up so I just needed a fresh challenge. So, going to EMX with new tracks, new riders and people I am not really sure of is definitely going to keep me on my toes.”
Barr isn’t the young prospect he once was but says he still has the motivation to do the work it takes and still has the fire to compete at the highest level. “I am going to be one of the oldest in the class but I think with my experience and my fitness is really good. My winter prep, I always do it properly, so hopefully with that and package from the guys at Revo Husqvarna I can put that all into good use and go out and put in the results I know I am capable of and want.”
Already happy with the bike, with a new series to take on as well as the British championship and the MX Nationals, Barr’s enthusiasm and dedication to the sport he loves remains undimmed as he pursues he goals. And with his talent and speed on the bike, Barr should be a real title contender in every series he enters in 2018!
