Guy Martin announces plans for race return
Still recuperating form injuries suffered in a fiery crash at the 2010 Isle of Man TT, road racing star Guy Martin has revealed plans to return to the track next month.
Lincolnshire's Martin - recently the subject of a scathing attack by PTR boss Simon Buckmaster - was battling for the lead in the blue riband Senior TT on June 11 when, heading into the third of six laps, he crashed at the fast right hander known as Ballagarey - scene of Paul Dobbs' fatal crash the day before.
Martin's Wilson Craig Honda Superbike smashed into safety barriers and burst into flames, brining out the red flag so a fire engine could attend. There were fears for the 29-year-old's safety in the immediate aftermath of the smash, and he was airlifted to hospital.
Happily, word soon came through Martin had remained conscious throughout, had spoken with medics throughout his treatment and was suffering from comparatively minor injuries, including bruised lungs and small fractures in his upper spine.
He was discharged from the Isle of Man's Noble's Hospital within days and returned home vowing to return to racing as soon as possible.
Now Martin has confirmed plans to make his competitive return to the roads during the 2010 Steam Packet Southern 100 International Road Races, held around the 4.25-mile circuit in the south of the Isle of Man.
Martin is the reigning Solo champion and is determined to defend his hard-earned title.
The Southern 100, which runs from July 12 to 15, promises some fabulous racing, with road racing veteran Ian Lougher, five times a solo champion at the event, and Ryan Farquhar champion in 2003, also lining up.
William Dunlop, who took three wins racing at Billown during the Manx
Telecom Post TT Races, is also on the entry list, along with Bush road race winners Davy Morgan and John Burrow. Also featured will be Roy Richardson, Barry Davidson, Adrian McFarland, Nigel Moore, Michael Dunlop, Chris Palmer, Steve Mercer, Phil Harvey, Dan Sayle along with fast-learning newcomers' Czech Michal
Dokoupil, Ulstermen Michael Pearson and Wayne Hamilton.
The 2009 Sidecar Champions Ian and Carl Bell are aiming to retain the title, father Ian for the fourth time, having also previously taken the sidecar championship crowns in 1999 and 2000, and son Carl for the second time.
Ian Bell also won the Solo Championship in 1987.
Klaus Klaffenb?ck and Dan Sayle, who won both Sidecar races at the 2010 TT, also return to the Billown Course hoping to add the Petrochem Carless Sidecar Championship to their CVs.
The impressive sidecar entry continues with with previous winning crew Roy Hanks/Dave Wells alongside Simon Neary/Paul Knapton, Greg Lambert/Jason Slous, Gary Bryan/Gary Partridge, Wayne Lockey/Dave Brown, Brian Kelly/ Dicky Gale and Glyn Jones/Jason.
