By Phil Wain
May 9 2005

Guy Martin’s superb start to the season continued at the weekend, with strong performances at the Tandragee 100 road races.

Held in treacherous conditions, which saw sunshine one minute and hailstones the next, the Kirmington rider showed tremendous maturity and skill to take third and fifth in the two Open races, and fourth in the 600cc event. This maintained his 100% finishing record for the season, and further enhanced his road racing credentials, comfortably running in the company of the sport’s more illustrious names.

photo © Stephen Davison of Pacemaker Press

Speaking at the conclusion of a difficult day’s racing, Guy commented: “They were some of the most difficult conditions I’ve ever raced in, and also some of the most extreme. I’ve never known the weather to change so quickly - one minute we were basking in the sunshine, the next we were being battered by the wind and rain! It made tyre choice a complete nightmare, but it was the same for everyone, and I got my head down and concentrated on being as smooth as possible. I had no major problems during the races, and am quite happy with my results - although I’m always looking for race wins.”

“I’m making headway all the time and getting the ‘feel’ back, and we’ve made further improvements to the bike, which is getting us even closer to the front. I lapped almost ten seconds quicker than I have done at the Tandragee, and the season is shaping up nicely. We’ll spend the next few days preparing the bikes for the North West 200, before heading down to Mondello Park for the British Superstock Championship. I’m quietly looking forward to the meeting, and would like to get at least a top ten finish - but the most important thing is to get through unscathed, ready for the International meetings.”

Guy will be making his début at Mondello Park in the blue and orange colours of Barron Transport Services, who are supporting him for the year on their Superstock machine, with the meeting taking place on Sunday, 15th May.