Martin reluctantly withdraws from Southern 100 meeting

Martin won a thrilling solo Championship at Billown in 2009

Lincolnshire rider Guy Martin will not defend his Southern 100 Solo Championship after withdrawing from the Billown meeting on medical advice.

Martin was involved in a high-speed crash at Ballagarey in this year's Senior TT resulting in the race being red flagged.

"I'm gutted that I won't be able to defend my title," said Martin.

The 55th Southern 100 meeting will get underway at the Isle of Man's Billown circuit on Monday, 12 July.

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

He added: "The medical people have advised me to wait a bit longer to let my injuries heal 100% and I have, for once, gone along with them."

I will definitely be back to race at Billown next year

Guy Martin

Race secretary George Peace said: "I, like everyone else involved in the meeting, was looking forward to seeing Guy in action again at Billown, especially so after his spill."

"But we would rather wait 12 months than see him harm himself by coming back too early."

Amongst those vying for the Derek Ennett Memorial Trophy will be Ian Lougher, Ryan Farquhar, Michael and William Dunlop, Cameron Donald and Manxman Chris Palmer.

Last year's sidecar champions Ian and Carl Bell will face competition from double TT sidecar winners Klaus Klaffenbock and Dan Sayle.