Isle of Man TT racer Guy Martin to try Dirttrack TT

Guy Martin is best known for racing at the TT but the Hydrex Honda superbike star loves to turn his hand to any form of motorcycle racing but now he’s aiming to compete in a TT of a very different sort.

Martin will make his debut in the US-style TT Steeplechase at the Norfolk Arena, Kings Lynn this Saturday, along with the Short Track UK regulars who will jump to it for the first time as the Silkolene-sponsored 2007 championship series tries out the US-style TT steeplechase class for the first time in its history . 

The TT is a staple part of the AMA Grand National dirt track championship where STUK organiser Peter Boast first discovered it.  He said: “Short Track is based on the flattracking events. There are several different classes and we’re broadening out the series this year to incorporate some of these.  Last month we were at a half-mile circuit for the first time, in South Wales and it was a massive success.  This weekend we’re having for the first time what the Americans call the TT. 

“The basic format is that, unlike the straightforward oval flattrack racing of Short Track, in TT there are right-hand turns and jumps!  So we’re rigging up the track at King’s Lynn on Saturday evening so that after bend two the riders will turn onto the in-field area, traverse a jump and a right turn to re-enter the track.  With 12 riders a race in races up to 12 laps in duration, it really is dirt track motorcycling’s version of the steeplechase!”

Competitors include the most experienced British rider in the TT discipline, Lincolnshire’s Tim Greig, current leader in the European-wide, International Mefo Cup and recently eighth in the ‘B’ championship (having failed by under 1.5seconds to make the top event) at the famous Springfield TT staged at the legendary Illinois State Fairgrounds.

From the States comes Jason Barrett returning to the championship he graced with US flair last year, after a stint with the Allied forces in Afghanistan.

But most eyes will be on three times Cock o’ the North winner Martin – mounted on a 450cc CRF Honda.  Also likely to be strong contenders are the two winners of recent STUK rounds at King’s Lynn: Supermoto expert from Yorkshire, Darren Pearson and the Italian who leads the Silkolene-sponsored series, Marco Belli.  Representing Speedway is twice British Finalist, Andy Moore who rides for current Elite League leaders, the Swindon Robins.

A packed programme of 35 heats includes also includes the awesome sight of multi-cylinder (up to 1200cc) monster machines doing battle in the Harley-Davidson Thunderbikes championship: currently led by Suzuki-mounted, Boast.

The CCM Junior Cup gives youth its head, with a group of talented 12 to 15 year olds mounted on the custom-built CCM 230cc flattracker doing battle for the official junior national championship. Tom Wooley from Burton-on-Trent remains unbeaten after three rounds.  

Fans on Saturday night will also be able to enter a special draw with an incredible H-D Sportster XL883 bike up for grabs!

The action gets underway at the Norfolk Arena in King’s Lynn on Saturday 14th. July at 7pm: adults £8, concessions £6, juniors (12-15 years) £3, under 11s free.