Backchat - Martin Barr
April 02, 2007
The story is almost a fairytale one for Martin Barr, being given the opportunity to ride for the Dixon Bike IT team, the young racer from Northern Ireland never dreamed of competing in GPs this year, let alone score points in them. Maturing with every ride and showing a good raw speed has secured him a place on the team for 2006 and who can argue with that. Martin lead the first race of the last British Championship round at Matchams, even banging bars with Championship winner Josh Coppins, showing he’s to be fazed by no man. Oh yeah, his first ever trip to the MX Des Nations was when he raced in it this year, have that!
MOTO: How old are you, where are you from and when was your first race in a British Championship?
MARTIN: I have just turned eighteen; I’m from BallyClare, which is just outside Belfast. My first British Championship was in 2004 at Wakes Colne in the MX2 class on a Yamaha 125.
What is the highlight of your riding career so far?
I would say winning the British Youth Championship in 2004, also scoring my first GP points in front of my home crowd this year at Desert Martin.
How did the deal come about to ride for Steve Dixon and Bike It Yamaha?
I was sponsored by Fox through Ashley Kane when I rode the Youth Championships, and it was Ash and Billy Mackenzie that put a good word in for me.
How much racing have you done in the UK and do you plan on moving over here?
I actually raced over here in the youth Championships since riding a 50 so quite a while now. It’s just part of going racing and I have got used to it now. The worst part about the travelling is the expense. Next year I am planning on moving over to England and getting a job to make things a little easier. Also at home in Northern Ireland there aren’t many practice tracks to go riding on so I’m looking forward to the move and being able to go practicing with a few other riders.
Why did you begin the season on a 250 two-stroke?
Steve (Dixon) thought it would be a good idea to move straight into the MX1 to build up my strength and gain a bit more experience then if I was to move back down to the MX2 I’d be a lot stronger. The 250 was available at the time and it wasn’t until Gordon Crockard got injured that I started riding the 450, I really liked it and felt I was getting quicker on it, especially out of the gate!
What goals did you set yourself for this year?
I was hoping to be in the points all year and I was aiming to finish 15th to 20th in the Championship so I was really happy to finish 11th overall.
What was the turning point in the season?
Riding the 450 helped a lot plus Steve giving me the opportunity to race GP’s as well brought me on so much, I learnt a lot doing them, watching other riders’ lines and generally getting stronger riding the big 450.
Was it demoralising not qualifying for the GPs to begin with?
It was to begin with but I spoke to a few other racers and it was clear that there was a knack to it, some riders could just go out there and do it. I put my head down and tried harder and it paid off.
How did it feel to score your first GP points?
It was fantastic and a really good feeling, I finished 19th and to me it was like winning the race. I really enjoyed the whole GP. In the first race I got a good gate around the top ten mark and I was battling with Danny Thybers until my goggles broke. I was getting cheered on around the whole track by the home fans and it was such a good feeling hearing the air horns goings off and to finish in the points was a bonus.
How did riding at the Des Nations in front of all those fanatical French fans compare?
You know what, I really didn’t what to expect going to the Des Nations, it was the first time I had ever been to a Des Nations and I was riding in it! The crowd was unreal but the atmosphere was a lot more relaxed than a GP but it was a really good experience.
Which riders have influenced you?
I have always looked up to Gordon Crockard; he has been our best rider in recent years from home. I also like watching RC.
How did it feel to start beating Gordon this year?
Gordon has had a bad year but it did feel good to beat him, he congratulated me but I think once he gets back to doing what he is capable of, it might be a different story.
When was the first time you saw someone do something amazing on a motocross bike?
Watching Mike Metzger do the backflip at the Sheffield Supercross was pretty special. You see it on the videos but it’s not the same until you see it for real.
When was the last time you tried something pretty scary on a bike?
Probably the big triple at the Cardiff Supercross last year, I saw other riders doing and said to myself I gotta do that. It was pretty big but there was just something about it.
When was the last time you got into a fight?
I used to go boxing training so I’ve done a bit in the ring, apart from that it was probably on the school playground.
What are your plans for 2006?
I’m not totally sure yet, I’ll be doing the British Championship again MX1 and I’d like to have another go at GPs but I still have to speak to Steve about that one. I hope to stay injury free and get a lot o training done before it all kicks off.
Do you ride Supercross?
Yes I like supercross and will be doing the Belfast Supercross this year, I’ll be back on the 250 for that one.
What would be your perfect day?
Wake up beside a blonde and go riding on some awesome tracks in America; it can’t get much better than that!
A shout out?
Yes I’d like to say thanks to Bike It Yamaha, Steve Dixon for the opportunity and also Ashley Kane.
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