Kirmington’s Guy Martin chalked up his first road race win of the season on Tuesday, when he took the Senior Solo Founders race at the Southern 100 road races. Riding the Hydrex Bike Animal Honda, he successfully saw off the challenge of rivals Ryan Farquhar and Ian Lougher to take an excellent 5.1-second victory.
Conditions for Monday evening practice and Tuesday’s race on the 4.25-mile Billown circuit were ideal for racing and Guy immediately slotted into second place in the 9-lap race. There was little between Guy, Farquhar, Lougher and Conor Cummins in the early stages with the lead changing hands on a number of occasions but by half race distance, he began to edge clear. Aided by a lap of 111.150mph, a new lap record, Guy opened up a gap over the rest of the pack and he was able to control proceedings for the remaining laps to take a comfortable victory.
His next race was due to be in Wednesday’s Senior race but heavy rain and mist meant the evening’s schedule was cancelled so that just left the Solo Championship race on Thursday. With conditions only slightly better for the 10-lap feature race, Guy, like the rest of the field, opted for full wet tyres and he completed the first lap in second place. However, it was clear all was not well with the handling of the machine and just half a lap later, he was forced to retire at Cross Four Ways with a front wheel puncture.
Speaking immediately upon returning to the paddock, Guy commented:
“I’m gutted to have been forced out of the Championship race and a puncture pretty much sums up my luck this year! Conditions were far from ideal but I got a good start and felt confident that I could reel in Lougher. Towards the end of the lap though, I knew something was seriously amiss with the front of the bike and eventually pulled in with a flat tyre. Although disappointed, at least I’ve been able to take my first win of the year and Tuesday’s race went perfectly.”
“The bike never missed a beat and after a bit of a battle in the early laps, I got my head down and broke the lap record to take a good win and pick up a bit of silverware at last! I always enjoy coming to the Southern 100 and although the weather made it difficult for everyone, it’s been another excellent meeting and thanks to everyone for making it all happen. James, Rob and Kate did a great job and I’ve really enjoyed my week.”
