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Fans' favourite Guy Martin says he has NOT retired from racing - but the likelihood of him competing and challenging for honours at the highest sporting level again appear slim.

Reports emerged today that the celebrity speedster – who has found success as a TV personality alongside his sporting commitments – has called time on his racing.

But the Grimsby truck mechanic says he has not retired and plans to "race classics and oddball stuff".

That said, he admitted himself in his statement, that "plans can change with the wind."

He has endured frustration at major events in recent times. Despite numerous podiums over the years - and dramatic crashes - he has never won a race at the world-famous Isle of Man TT event.

He failed to challenge at the business end of races on the new Honda Fireblade on the island this year, but did come second in the quirky TT Zero contest.

(Image: Paul Soulby)

He later withdrew from this year’s high-calibre Ulster Grand Prix and did not compete at the Southern 100.

In an interview with MCN, Martin is today quoted as saying: “Racing’s been good to me, but I'm bored of it.

“You spend the early part of the year preparing for the season – testing, racing, talking about it, and then doing it all over again.

“It’s like Groundhog Day. It’s time to stop.”

But this morning he moved to clarify his stance.

Talking on his Facebook page, he said: "I went into the year right excited about the new Honda. I thought it would be great straight away and so did the team.

(Image: Darren Vincent - MannMotorsports.co.uk)

"I soon realised that it needed a lot of developing and it will be great, but it needs time and I've got loads of other projects going on that I'd rather use that time for.

"I didn’t get involved to develop a bike over months and years. I was told I'd have a bike capable of winning straight away and that’s why I couldn't turn down the opportunity.



"The TT was a bloody disaster, aside from walking the dog and racing the Mugen, I didn’t enjoy it.

"It was clear even before that we were going to struggle and then it turned into me really being a test rider, which I did, but after we did more testing at Cadwell a few weeks back, I said to the team the bike won't be competitive at the Ulster Grand Prix and they decided to withdraw me from the event, although they didn’t tell me, which is OK as the decision was made for me.



"So I’ve not given up on racing or road racing, there’s no unfinished business and I want to race classics and oddball stuff.

"All I've been thinking about recently is Pikes Peak and any spare time my brain has had is about Pikes Peak on four wheels. That job is down to me and if it doesn’t work, it’s my fault and I like that.

(Image: Team Classic Suzuki Media)



"So there’s no bad feeling. Neil Tuxworth (Honda boss) has been upfront with me from the start and it's a shame for everyone that the new bike hasn’t worked. I know how much effort I put in and so do the team, so no regrets, but I've got no plans to do any more road racing on the Hondas this year.



"Nigel Racing Corporation (NRC) current plans are preparation for Pikes Peak and classic racing - but the plans can change with the wind.



"Ta for the support."

He told the Grimsby Telegraph last week that he and his partner, Sharon Comiskey, are expecting their first baby in October.