Martin Dickens aims to bounce back from an injury nightmare and fulfill his life-long ambition of becoming a national roadrace champion.

The Southend-based 32-year-old was odds on to lift the New Era championship title halfway through last season, but his hopes were crushed when he came off his bike at high speed during a race in Kent.

Martin, who was occupying third place in the championship table at the time of his crash, suffered multiple injuries and needed 22 stitches in his right thigh, another 14 stitches in his left hand and plastic surgery.

"I was gutted because I believed I had a great chance of going all the way last season," said Martin, who races for the Bemsee club and lives in Arnold Avenue.

"But I've got to forget about that now and concentrate on the new championship race which is about to get underway.

"I'm over my injury problems now and I'm feeling fitter than ever. Hopefully, this could be my year at last."

Martin's title hopes for this season have been boosted by a new bike - sponsored by Gerry Pell - which was used by last season's champion, Paul Grub of Middlesex.

"The Yamaha 250 I'll be riding this season was good enough to lift the crown last year and I'm hoping that it can do the trick for me this time round," he said.

"It's sure to be another long, hard race this term, but to have a bike that has already won the championship is a big bonus which could give me an advantage.

"This will be my seventh year in competition and I'm feeling confident that I can get it right this time as long as I steer clear of any injury problems."

Martin also wanted to thank his other sponsors - Pole Position Motorcycles, Harpers, SAADA Cars, Gough Motors, Bikewise and Rent a Winner - who make it possible for him to travel the country and compete.

The new roadrace season starts this Sunday when Martin will begin his new challenge at Kent's Brands Hatch circuit.

Roar power - Martin Dickens is hoping for a good season following the crash which wrecked his hopes last year

Converted for the new archive on 19 November 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.