News 14 Jul 2025

'It was a fairytale kind of ending to my career' – Martin

Moto victory and second overall a fitting end for former two-time 250MX champion.

Image: Octopi Media.

An emotion-charged Jeremy Martin achieved the unthinkable as a part-timer in winning the last-ever 250MX moto of his decorated professional career, the two-time national champion labeling it ‘a fairytale kind of ending’ at the famed Spring Creek circuit owned by his family.

Upon making an unexpected return with Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing at the commencement of the 2025 outdoors, Martin would struggle at both Fox Raceway and Hangtown, having only eight days on the bike before the series opener.

A crash during race one at Hangtown resulted in a premature end to the initial deal that was expected to span at least the first three rounds of Pro Motocross, with focus instead shifting toward a final appearance at Millville and with the intent of his home race marking the final chapter of his career.

Martin immediately signalled his pace on Saturday after qualifying in third position, before the 32-year-old would power to the opening moto holeshot, holding strong as he battled both Jo Shimoda (Honda HRC Progressive) and teammate Haiden Deegan to ultimately capture an inspired P3 result.

In launching to another holeshot in moto two, Martin was unwavering at the front this time around, relinquishing the lead to Shimoda briefly before the number 30 ran into a rear brake failure. Upon retaking the lead, Martin withstood any further challenges, claiming an emphatic victory to end his career and seal second overall on the podium.

“It was a fairytale kind of ending to my career,” he reflected. “What a dream day, it’s just insane, and it’s an honor to be able to battle with these guys. I mean, to see the pace of the next generation… I was good back in my day, but these guys are really good now. I was like, ‘Man, I’m definitely kind of tired [in moto two], but these are the last laps of your professional career’, then I said, ‘You got that dog’, so let’s go.

“I was just grateful. I was trying to hide the tears, man. I went up for the Grand Marshal deal, and I broke down on the podium. I saw my brother and my family at different times throughout the day, and I was like, ‘Man, you gotta get your shit together.’ Like, these are the last two motos of your career, so I was able to do that.”

In a career that spanned over a decade, Martin earned back-to-back 250MX championships in 2014 and 2015, effectively helping commence the dominance of the Star Racing organization into the juggernaut that it is today.

The latter stages of his racing journey have been largely marred by injury, with Martin identifying now as the right time to pass the torch to the next generation. He had formed part of Star Racing’s VIP experience program throughout Monster Energy Supercross prior to being drafted back into the team for Pro Motocross.

“I’m content, right? Like, I’ve accepted it,” continued Martin. “Winning [races] is a high, that’s what we all chase every Saturday. It’s a drug and it consumes you – when you get it year after year and you can be in that position, how do you… those endorphins alone, like how do you just say, ‘Hey, I’m done?’

“I definitely miss it, but I’m ready for chapter two in life. It does come at some point, and I’m passing the baton on to these guys. I’m just gonna sit back, be a VIP host, cheer them on, salute them, have a beer and go try other things in life. I’m forever grateful for [today], man. This is really special, really special to have everybody in the paddock, in a sense, just happy for you.”

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