AFTER qualifying for the hardest road race in the world, the Isle of Mann Manx Grand Prix, Narberth motorbike racer, Martin Jones, grabbed a podium place, passing the chequered flag in the Newcomers 400cc Class in second spot.

Following two successful seasons circuit racing, Martin, who has a below knee left leg amputation, decided his next goal would be the Manx Grand Prix in late August.

"I raced on a Honda RVF 400 and entered into two races - the Newcomers 400cc Class and the Ultra Light Weight 400 and 125 Class," the Narberth racer explained. "After trying to get to grips with the 37.73-mile course during practice week, I qualified for both races."

In poor conditions, Martin got pit-stop tactics to perfection finishing in second place in the newcomers race, before coming from 92nd on the grid in the ultra light weight class to finish 23rd in a field of 112 people, gaining two Silver Replica Trophies in just one-week's racing.

"A podium position is not bad for a one legged Welsh man on the hardest road race in the world," joked Martin, who says he couldn't have done it without the advice of John Goodall, and the help of all his sponsors and his mother.

"Now I'm already looking forward to the Manx Grand Prix 2005, to try and better my results," he added.

If anyone is interested in helping Martin fund his next grand prix pursuit, call him on 07765290003.