Guy Martin wants to prove he's number one again

GUY Martin is "looking forward to running the number one plate" when he returns to the Southern 100 next year.

The Kirmington road racer claimed glory in last week's Solo Championship race at the prestigious event for the second time.

Having previously won the week's blue riband race in 2009, the 31-year-old was determined to build on his two podium finishes earlier in the week – and make up for a largely disappointing Isle of Man TT showing.

And, as reported, the Tyco Suzuki star did just that – destroying the Billown Course's lap record to beat Michael Dunlop by less than half a second.

Martin also set a new lap record in the Supersport class on Wednesday with a lap speed of 110.306mph aboard his GSX-R600, only missing out on top spot on the podium by a tantalising 0.077sec.

Commenting on his victory and paying tribute to his team, Martin said: "There was no re-inventing the wheel; it was just Danny, Mark and me and on the morning of the race we were cutting the grass and having a brew – no stress.

"But we've proved that it's not a fluke. We caught him (Dunlop), passed him; took the win and the lap record.

"I said that I didn't mind coming last in those first two Superbike races to win the big one and that's what we've done.

"Suzuki is the bike to be on as we showed last week, and as for the Metzeler tyres – they were as good on the last lap as they were on the first. Bang on one hundred per cent boy!

"I'm looking forward to running the number one plate when we return next year."

Tyco Suzuki team manager Philip Neill was equally delighted with the team's work at the Isle of Man event.

"They say you are only as good as your last race and that's the race we really wanted to win," he said.

"Everyone knows how much Guy loves the Southern 100 Races. For him to come away with the main Superbike race and lap records in both Supersport and Superbike classes is thoroughly deserved – and testimony to both Guy and the Tyco Suzuki GSX-R machinery.

"A massive well done to Guy and thanks to the boys for their efforts.

"It's nice to give our title sponsor Tyco Security Products and all our other associated sponsors a top notch victory on the roads; not to mention the many fans and supporters we have."