In this section, we are not going to directly discuss the motorcycle Grands Prix. Instead, we'll delve into the history of the world's most prestigious race: The Tourist Trophy. The mere mention of this name gives shivers to some enthusiasts. A quick reminder for newcomers: the “TT” is a legendary race, taking place every year in June on the Isle of Man, a small independent dependency located between England and Northern Ireland. It takes place on a circuit of more than 60 km, traced on the roads since 1907.
Once is not customary, the driver selected today has not
never won a single TT race. However, he nonetheless remains one of its greatest actors.
Guy was born in 1981, into a family focused on motor sports. his father Ian was already running
Tourist trophy in the 1970s, his path was thus mapped out. Moreover, his brother and his little sister also travel the British circuits. English is above all passionate about mechanics, a theme that will follow him for many years.
He discovered competition at the age of 18, following an accident on an open road. Guy doesn't break through instantly; the general public discovered his name in 2006 after a superb performance on the
Ulster GP. It's only by
2008 that he looks like a big fish in the TT,
event that he almost won.
The rest of this article will not focus on his sporting exploits. Guy was a good pilot, has 17 podiums at the TT, victories in other major races such as the
North West 200, but it is much more than that. Indeed, Martin does not appear in the five best drivers of this era. In addition, his career ended “quite prematurely” (compared to the norm) in 2017, after having been discreet for many years. However, Guy was the face of the sport.
Guy Martin rode for Suzuki for a long time, but has more or less tried every possible brand imaginable. Here in Supersport at the 2013 TT. Photo: Phil Long
Her behavior, her frankness, but also and above all her beautiful face made her a true idol. His intelligence and his many philosophical reflections (later explained by Asperger's syndrome) transformed him into a prime target for sponsors, but also for television.
If his first experiences on the small screen date back to 2009, it is the famous 2011 documentary TT3D: Closer to the edge which reveals it to the eyes of the world. In this 1h30 film, Richard de Aragues follows the Tourist Trophy 2010 by focusing on the personality of Guy Martin.
The general public discovers a crazy sport, at the limit of the acceptable, as well as a hero who easily emerges on the screen. Indeed, the majority of drivers involved are shy, marked by accidents, atypical and often non-telegenic. On the other hand, Guy is stylish, charismatic, ready to play, and amazes with his blue eyes and his deep gaze. The United Kingdom developed a passion for the hero of Grimsby, who suffered a terrible accident that year (viewed 22 times on YouTube). This triggers a tidal wave.
Despite good sporting results, Guy became a public figure. As proof, his autobiography released in 2014 became a bestseller across the Channel, unheard of for a “local” pilot. English producers see enormous potential there. Guy's appearances have multiplied over the years, in various programs, almost turning absurd given their number. Guy Martin and the wall of death, Guy Martin and his tank from the First World War, Guy in Russia, Guy in India, the industrial revolution with Guy Martin… The list is endless.
Recognizable among thousands. Photo: Eric Houdas
His extra-television activities are just as varied: Sometimes a mechanic at Williams in F1 (during a race at Spa in 2017), sometimes the fastest man in the world (he holds four Guinness speed records including one on a soapbox). In short, it never stops.
Despite the popularity, Guy keeps his feet on the ground. If he did not mark the history of the TT thanks to his performances, we cannot deny his impact on road racing in general, which was sorely lacking a hero after the death of Joey Dunlop.
Cover photo: Dave Johnson
