Guy Martin returning to road racing at NW200

Guy Martin will return to road racing despite having previously cast doubt on the future of his career, after signing up with Honda Racing for 2017.

The popular Lincolnshire star will be cutting ties with Northern Ireland-based Tyco BMW, but local fans will at least be seeing him take to the roads again - alongside new teammate John McGuinness.

And the schedule will include the North West 200 from 7-13 May this year.

“We are delighted that Guy Martin will be back on the grid at the Vauxhall International North West 200,” Mervyn Whyte, director of the annual event, said.

“Guy is a huge favourite with road racing fans and the public in general and I am sure a lot of people will want to see how he gets on against the likes of Alastair Seeley, Michael Dunlop and Ian Hutchinson who all won races at last year’s North West.

“It is a very exciting prospect!”

Martin has previously spoken out about enjoying his work as a truck mechanic and undertaking other challenges, including focusing on cycling.

He has also worked on television shows which have allowed him to indulge his passions, including engineering.

But, despite a move away from motorbike racing seeming likely, it appears the lure of the roads is just too strong.

At the NW200, Martin will be racing a superbike and superstock version of the new Honda CBR1000RR SP2 Fireblade.

The 35-year-old will also be looking for an elusive race win, having previously enjoyed six podium finishes on the famous Triangle circuit since his debut in 2004.