Image: Octopi Media.

Geico Honda’s Jeremy Martin has opted out of the final rounds of 2020 Monster Energy Supercrosss in order to retain his 250SX eligibility into next season.

After finishing third on Sunday, it’s been widely-speculated that Martin had departed Salt Lake City and wouldn’t be returning.

It’s now been officially confirmed that 27-year-old Martin won’t be completing the series despite currently sitting fourth in the 250SX East standings. If he were to score any more points this year he would be forced into the 450SX category from 2021.

“Unfortunately my season has come to an end for Supercross in 2020,” Martin explained. “I’ve given it a lot of thought about how to publicly announce not racing the last three races of SX this year and, instead of covering it up with an injury, the team and I decided to be completely honest about my current situation.

“I’ve reached the eligibility limit for points in the 250SX class and any additional points would force me into the 450 class for 2021. There isn’t any opportunities, nor openings, for me in 2021 for the 450 class – Geico Honda doesn’t campaign the 450SX class.

“I haven’t won a race yet this year and feel that before making the step to the premier class, I need an additional year to improve my performance and health in the quest to earn a factory 450 ride for 2022.

“I’m 27 years old and I’d love to be in the 450 class racing, but sometimes you have to take the longer path, which right now is licking my wounds and keep rebuilding myself in Supercross so I can win races and championships for Geico Honda next year!”

After sitting out all of last year while recovering from a serious back injury, Martin signed a two-year deal with Geico Honda for 2020-2021 and will return for the commencement of Lucas Oil Pro Motocross scheduled for July.