Martin won a thrilling solo Championship at Billown in 2009

Guy Martin has told BBC Isle of Man he hopes to be fit enough to defend his Southern 100 Solo Championship at July's Isle of Man meeting.

The Lincolnshire rider was involved in a high-speed crash in the Senior TT and says he is making a steady recovery.

"Racing is what I do and these things happen. I've got a couple of cracked vertebrae in my back but hopefully I'll be right by the Southern," said Martin.

The 55th Southern 100 will get under way at Billown on Monday, 12 July.

In 2009, the Kirmington rider won an epic Solo Championship with less than a second separating the top four riders.

We are delighted that are defending champions will be back to defend their titles Organiser Phil Edge

"Last year was spot-on, so hopefully I'll be fit enough to get the leathers on and give it a good crack," added Martin.

Five-time winner of the Derek Ennett Memorial Trophy Ian Lougher and Ryan Farquhar, who won four races at last year's meeting, will both return in 2010.

William Dunlop will also line up following a hat-trick of wins at the Post TT races along with a string of former Billown winners including brother Michael and Manxman Chris Palmer.

Last year's sidecar champions Ian and Carl Bell will also return to defend their 2009 title.

The father and son duo will face stiff competition from double TT sidecar winners Klaus Klaffenbock and Dan Sayle.

Organiser Phil Edge said: "We're really thrilled have such an exceptional field for this year's meeting.

"It is our 55th anniversary so I think it will be quite a celebration and we are delighted that are defending champions will be back to defend their titles."

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