Jorge Martínez (motorcyclist) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Jorge Martínez |
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Martínez in 2024
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| Nationality | Spanish | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Born | 29 August 1962 Alzira, Valencia, Spain |
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Jorge Martínez Salvadores (born on August 29, 1962), often called "Aspar", is a Spanish former professional motorcycle racer. He later became a successful manager for motorcycle racing teams. He competed in the exciting world of Grand Prix motorcycle racing from 1982 to 1997.
Martínez is known as one of the most successful motorcycle racers in Grand Prix motorcycle racing history. He won 22 Grand Prix races in the 80 cc class and another 15 races in the 125 cc class. After he stopped racing, Martínez started his own successful motorcycle racing team. In 2019, he was honored by being added to the MotoGP Hall of Fame.
Racing Career Highlights
Jorge Martínez was born in Alzira, Valencia, Spain. He started his first Grand Prix race in 1982. Between 1986 and 1988, he won four World Championships. Three of these wins were in the 80cc event, and one was in the 125 cc class. In 1988, he achieved something amazing: he won both the 80cc and 125cc championships in the same year! His famous nickname, "Aspar," comes from a Spanish word linked to shoe making. He got this nickname because his father worked as a cobbler, making shoes.
Becoming a Team Owner
After his racing career ended in 1997, Jorge Martínez decided to stay in the world of motorcycle racing. He created and managed his own team, called the Aspar Team. This team quickly became very successful.
In the 2010 racing season, one of his team's riders, Nicolás Terol, finished second in the 125cc class. Another teammate, Bradley Smith, finished fourth. In the new Moto2 championship that year, Aspar team rider Julián Simón also finished in second place.
Martínez's team has continued to achieve great things. For example, in 2024, his team's rider, David "babyGOAT" Alonso, won the Moto3 championship at the Japanese Grand Prix. This happened with four races still left in the season, showing how strong his team is.
In 2019, Jorge Martínez was recognized for his amazing career both as a racer and a team owner. He was officially inducted into the MotoGP Hall of Fame, which is a very special honor in motorcycle racing.
Images for kids
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Martínez at the 1989 Japanese Grand Prix
See also
In Spanish: Jorge Martínez (piloto de motociclismo) para niños
