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Triumph and Tribulation: Martin's Resilient Return to the Track!

Morning Session: Navigating Challenging Conditions and Rebuilding Confidence

During the initial practice session at Brno, the track conditions were far from ideal, gradually transitioning from wet to dry. Martin, still recuperating from his injuries sustained in Qatar, approached the session with caution. While some riders, including his Aprilia teammate Marco Bezzecchi and Ai Ogura, experienced falls, Martin prioritised safety and acclimatisation. He concluded the morning session in 17th position, over two seconds off the leading pace, acknowledging the struggle for consistency after months away from competitive riding.

Afternoon Practice: A Resounding Display of Skill in the Rain

The afternoon brought a significant shift in weather, with heavy rain delaying the session's start. Once the pit lane opened, Martin's performance transformed dramatically. The consistent wet conditions seemed to favour the Spaniard, allowing him to quickly find his rhythm. He steadily climbed through the ranks, eventually securing an impressive fourth position with ten minutes remaining. By the session's end, he was classified fifth, less than a second behind the fastest rider, Marc Marquez, a testament to his innate talent and the Aprilia's capabilities in the wet.

Martin's Post-Session Reflections: Optimism and Adaptability

Reflecting on his day, Martin expressed immense satisfaction with his afternoon showing. He highlighted feeling "super focused" and "super consistent" in the wet, describing the top-five finish as an emotional milestone marking his successful return. When queried about the impact of the conditions on his performance, Martin remained grounded, acknowledging the unique challenges but maintaining a positive outlook for the rest of the weekend. He admitted his surprise at his immediate comfort in the wet, noting it was his first time on the Aprilia in such conditions since last season, underscoring the benefits of a prior test session at Misano.

The Crucial Role of Pre-Race Testing

Martin attributed a significant part of his rapid reintegration and comfort with the bike to the private test session conducted by Aprilia earlier in the month. He revealed that this test, free from the pressures of official competition and media scrutiny, allowed him to methodically adjust to the bike's feel and find a comfortable riding position. This strategic preparation proved invaluable, as he now feels a strong connection to his machine. While acknowledging there's still work to be done on fine-tuning his position, he's optimistic about the foundation laid and his overall competitive readiness.

In a surprising development within the NASCAR Xfinity Series, Our Motorsports has declared its intention to cease all racing operations after the current weekend's event at Dover. This brings an end to a journey that began in 2020, during which the team participated in nearly 300 races, accumulating a commendable record of nine top-five finishes, 41 top-ten placements, and a pole position at Portland in 2022. Despite these achievements, including a second-place finish at Daytona in 2021, the team was never able to claim a win. The announcement follows closely on the heels of driver Kris Wright's departure, with Kaz Grala stepping in for what will now be the team's swan song.

Our Motorsports released an official statement confirming their immediate departure from NASCAR. The team expressed gratitude to NASCAR, Chevrolet, their fans, employees, and drivers for their support over the past six years. This significant decision marks the conclusion of their presence in the sport.

Just days prior to this announcement, Our Motorsports confirmed the termination of their association with full-time driver Kris Wright after the Sonoma race on July 15, 2025. Subsequently, Kaz Grala was named as his replacement for the upcoming race at Dover Motor Speedway. Grala, a seasoned competitor with experience across all three national divisions and a victory in the NASCAR Truck Series to his name, was poised to take the wheel. However, what was initially perceived as a new collaboration has now been revealed as a one-time engagement before the No. 5 Chevrolet makes its final run.

Grala himself responded to the news, acknowledging the team's decision to conclude their chapter in racing and expressing his appreciation for the opportunity to compete for them one last time. He conveyed his commitment to deliver a strong performance in the final race, and also thanked Legacy Motor Club and Toyota Racing for enabling him to pursue such opportunities. He noted that the preparation for Dover felt particularly strong during simulations, hinting at the potential for a memorable final outing.

Our Motorsports currently occupies the 29th position in the drivers' standings, which is the lowest among full-time teams. This stands in stark contrast to their 2024 season, where Anthony Alfredo led the team to its highest standing at 15th place. Kris Wright's recent performance included failing to qualify for the Chicago race and only securing one top-ten result this year, a ninth-place finish at Martinsville.

The departure of Our Motorsports from the NASCAR Xfinity Series underscores the challenging and dynamic nature of professional motorsport. Despite years of dedication and moments of significant on-track performance, sustained success and financial viability remain crucial for team longevity. The team's journey, marked by consistent effort and notable individual achievements, concludes with this weekend's event, leaving a void for fans and competitors alike.