TT racer Guy Martin has been popular with road racing fans for many years but he is now getting recognition outside of the sport.

The Lincolnshire man - who is one of the stars of TT3D: Closer To The Edge - featured in the top 10 nominations for Sports Personality of the Year by Talksport Radio.

He was the only man nominated not to come from the world of football.

The poll, which the station said was based on personality alone, was won by Manchester City striker Mario Balotelli.

Guy's profile has never been higher. In addition to Closer To The Edge, which was recently released on DVD, he also starred in The Boat That Guy Built on BBC1 earlier this year.

Describing the racer, the station - the UK's biggest national commercial sports radio station - said: "By 'eck! Martin is the Isle of Man TT racer who sounds like a cartoon northerner, looks like a 1970s Emmerdale character with his lamb chop sideys and risks life and limb racing on the roads - a top man."

Political member for Isle of Man Tourism Geoff Corkish MHK said: "The TT races profile is riding high again, which is good news for the event and the Island and it's great to see Guy getting the support alongside the footballers.

"He is helping us to attract a new group of fans."

While Guy is without doubt one of the TTs most popular racers he is yet to win a race - though he has featured on the podium many times.

TT3D: Closer To The Edge follows Guy as he aims for glory at TT2010.