GUY Martin - the bike fans’ favourite - is back racing on Manx roads tonight (Tuesday) at the Southern 100 circuit in Billown, bidding for success on the Relentless TAS Suzuki.
Still searching for his first TT win, Martin has already experienced success at the Southern 100, winning the solo championship in 2009.
He finished on the podium four times at this year’s TT and briefly led the Senior race before John McGuinness took control and his 16th TT victory.
Now the Lincolnshire man is looking for another Southern 100 win, but he faces stiff opposition amongst a star-studded list, not least from Ryan Farquhar, William Dunlop, Cameron Donald and Conor Cummins.
“This is one proper meeting I love attending,” said Martin. “It’s run the way a road race should be and the organisers and fans make it a special week for all the riders.
“I missed last year through injury, but it’s great to be back. It’s a mega circuit with some great corners: real road racing corners. The entry list is pretty strong this year but I’m sure we can be at the sharp end fighting for some silverware on the Relentless Suzukis. It’ll be a busy but enjoyable week.”
Suzuki team manager Phillip Neill added, “The Southern 100 is a race we’ve not been able to attend as much as I’d have liked over the years. It has great history and from what the riders tell me, the event is run like clockwork.
“We know Guy is a big fan of the place and with the likes of Ryan, Cameron, Conor, and the Dunlop boys there, it’s going to be like a mini-TT week. The weather forecast is good, which is important; so let’s hope Guy can put our GSX-R machinery on the top step. It would be a nice way to get the ball rolling on the run into the Ulster Grand Prix next month.”
Racing starts tonight (Tuesday), but the big race is on Thursday. Weather conditions for the week are forecast as being good, so there will hopefully be no delays and the programme will run as scheduled.
Tuesday 12th July
8.05pm – Corlett’s Trophies 600/1000cc Race [8 Laps]
Wednesday 13th July
6.20pm – Total Oils Senior Race [8 Laps]
8.00pm – Radcliffe Butchers’ 600cc Race [8 Laps]
Thursday 14th July
11.10am – S&S Motors’ 600cc Race [8 Laps]
3.00pm – Manx Gas Solo Championship Race [9 Laps]
8.30pm – Open Air Presentation in Castletown Market Square
