Guy Martin considered retiring ahead of 2015

Author: Bike Social Sports Reporter Posted: 17 Dec 2014

Fans’ favourite Guy Martin has admitted he considered retiring from racing after the 2014 season.

However a decision by the Tyco TAS Racing team to switch manufacturer for 2015 has persauded the Lincolnshireman to continue for at least another year.

The truck mechanic and TV personality has ridden for Ulster-based TAS Racing on Suzuki machinery since 2011. Next year the team switches to BMW’s S 1000 RR, taking on the role as BMW Motorrad’s official road racing effort.

“Moving to BMW Motorrad machinery is the reason I’m still racing next year and not retiring”, Martin confessed.

“I’ll always give it my all and to be with a quality manufacturer like BMW is mega. I’m looking forward to getting on the bikes as soon as possible. It’s a new bike and I’ve never ridden it before, but we all know its pedigree.

“TAS are the best team I’ve ever ridden for; they get me and I get them and we meet in the middle, which is why we’ve been successful and this new venture with BMW is just what we need going into next season.”

2014 saw Martin take on the Isle of Man TT for the eleventh time, enjoying some of his strongest results as he took second and third in the Superbike and Senior races respectively.

Widely regarded as one of the best road racers never to win a TT, Martin has achieved 15 podiums on the mountain course and won races for the Tyco team at the Southern 100 and Ulster Grand Prix.

The team will retain William Dunlop alongside Martin, despite a rumoured last minute attempt by BMW bosses to keep hold of the younger Dunlop brother, Michael, who was left without a ride when the German marque opted to switch their support to TAS.

BMW Motorrad returned to the Isle of Man TT in an official capacity with Hawk Racing last season. Michael Dunlop achieved three victories on the S 1000 RR, including the first factory-backed BMW Senior TT victory since the 1930s.

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