Guy Martin unveils new world speed record attempts

TV presenter Guy Martin is to attempt a new world land speed record on a motorbike.

The retired motorcycle racer, from Grimsby, wants to hit 300mph within a mile of a standing start on his modified bike.

The 43-year-old made the announcement on Friday ahead of the weekend's Straightliners speed show at Elvington Airfield, near York.

The event also saw the launch of the Spirit of GB project, which is an attempt to break the FIA motorcycle world land speed record and smash the 400mph barrier.

Martin bought his standard specification motorbike seven years ago before he began adapting it.

"I paid about £5,000 for it... I bought it with the goal to try to achieve 300mph in a standing mile," he said.

"We've made massive changes over the past year and I don't really know if it's going to work."

He added: "This is just something I am building in my shed with help from a few mates."

The Spirit of GB project is led by former sidecar racer Alex Macfadzean, who invited Martin to pilot the streamlined motorcycle powered by a 1,200hp Rolls-Royce engine in a bid to reach 400mph.

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