Roads: Guy Martin out of Ulster Grand Prix

Guy Martin will not compete at this year’s Ulster Grand Prix with the Honda Racing team. 

Having joined Honda earlier this year to return to the sport for the first time following his crash at Dundrod in 2015, Martin has endured a traumatic 2017 season following a year’s absence from the sport in 2016. Plagued by an uncompetitive new Honda Fireblade, Martin has struggled to make the expected impact in any of the Irish road races he has entered and was uncompetitive at both the NW200 and Isle of Man TT.

Crashing out of the opening Superbike TT after hitting a false neutral, he then withdrew from the Senior race.

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Since the TT there have been concerted efforts by the British team to improve the Honda package with clear improvements now being seen in both British Superbikes and the Endurance World Championship.

Martin tested a BSB spec bike at Cadwell park last Sunday, but once again was unable to set competitive lap times, so the decision has since been made that Martin will not compete at the Ulster Grand Prix as planned. 

Confirming the decision, Ulster GP boss Noel Johnston said: “Naturally I’m disappointed to have the news confirmed by Honda that Guy won’t race at Dundrod next month, but it’s not altogether surprising given the difficulties the team has experienced throughout the season.

“I had hoped for a different outcome as Guy is obviously a big fan favourite, and he’s never made any secret in the past of his love for the circuit, which after all is the international where he’s had the most success over the years. 

“I’m sure the decision hasn’t been taken lightly by him or the team and I wish Guy well, whatever the next step in his career may be. 

“Putting this news aside, I’m very happy with the strength of this year’s entry. We’ve seen some incredible performances this season from the likes of Peter Hickman, Michael Dunlop and Dean Harrison in particular, and I’ve no doubt they will bring the same spectacular form to Dundrod. 

“Everyone will be there trying to end their season on a high, and the field is wide open; I think we could see a few dark horses in the mix and ready to make their mark at the world’s fastest road race,” he added.

Sources close to Honda suggest this will be the end of the line for the Louth-based squad and Martin, with no plans at present to continue the relationship into 2018. 

For the latest about what’s next for Guy, pick up next week’s MCN. 

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