After more than two decades at the sharp end of national motorcycle racing, Mar-Train Racing have announced they will withdraw from competition at the close of the 2025 Bennetts British Superbike Championship season. The decision, taken by team owners Tim and Sonya Martin, brings to an end a chapter that has spanned Irish club circuits, road racing classics, and the very top tier of the British Superbike paddock.
From Humble Beginnings to Irish Champions
The team’s story began in the mid-2000s, but it was 2008 that marked their true arrival on the racing map. In only their second full season, Mar-Train clinched the Irish Supersport Championship, signalling the start of a meteoric rise. That same year, they proved equally competitive in the Irish Superbike Championship, finishing runner-up while also taking podium finishes at the Frohburg Road Races in Germany — a sign of their growing international ambitions.
Making Their Mark on Roads and Circuits
Momentum gathered quickly. Within a few short seasons, the Martins had built a team capable of competing — and winning — on both short circuits and road racing events. Their growing reputation was confirmed by victories at prestigious meetings such as the Dundrod 150 Cup Challenge, cementing their name among fans of pure road racing.
Their bold step onto the British stage in 2012 only accelerated their trajectory. Linking up with Jack Kennedy, Mar-Train won on their very first outing at Brands Hatch and went on to finish the season as National Supersport 600 runners-up. That early promise was converted into championship glory just a year later, when Stuart Easton delivered the 2013 British Supersport Championship, handing the team their first major British crown.
A Force on All Fronts
The following years saw the squad enjoy a golden spell across both circuits and road racing. With victories at the Scarborough Gold Cup, Cock O’ The North, and Southern 100, Mar-Train proved their versatility. A podium at the Isle of Man TT and a long-standing Yamaha lap record with Dean Harrison added further prestige to their growing legacy.
In 2014, their impact at the North West 200 drew headlines, when Alastair Seeley stormed to wins in both the Supersport and Superstock classes, before adding a hard-fought podium in the blue-riband Superbike race. Those results established the Martins’ team as a powerhouse on the international road racing scene.
Official Yamaha Recognition
The following season elevated them to even greater heights. Becoming the Official Yamaha Road Racing Team in 2015 and 2016, Mar-Train enjoyed full-factory backing. That support was rewarded with a string of victories in the Tandragee 100 and podiums at the Cookstown 100, underlining their place among the elite squads in the paddock.
Hiatus and Triumphant Return
After a brief pause away from frontline racing, Mar-Train returned reinvigorated. They invested in new talent while rekindling old partnerships, and in 2022 they struck gold once more. Returning rider Jack Kennedy dominated the British Supersport Championship, clinching the crown with two rounds to spare. The triumph gave the team the perfect launchpad to step up into the British Superbike Championship, setting the stage for a thrilling new chapter.
Their BSB debut in 2023 delivered promise, with Kennedy taking a best finish of fourth and securing tenth overall in the standings — an impressive feat for a rookie team.
McAMS Partnership and BSB Breakthrough
The partnership with McAMS as title sponsor in 2024 brought fresh momentum. With Danny Kent, a former Moto3 World Champion, on board, Mar-Train elevated their game. That season ended in spectacular fashion: fourth in the championship standings and a breakthrough BSB race victory at Brands Hatch, capping only their second season in Britain’s premier class.
Their progression continued into 2025. By the halfway point of the campaign, Kent had already delivered two wins and three additional podiums, putting Mar-Train firmly in contention at the front of the championship. With just a handful of rounds remaining, they sit fourth overall, only ten points adrift of the top three. The plan is clear: to bow out on a high, fighting for podiums right up until the final round at Brands Hatch in mid-October.
Owners Reflect on Two Decades of Racing
Speaking about the decision, team owner Tim Martin admitted it was bittersweet:
“Announcing the end of our journey has not been an easy decision, but it feels like the right time for Sonya and me to step away after an incredible ride. From our first title in Ireland to winning on the British stage and taking on the roads with Yamaha, this has been a story filled with unforgettable moments, proud achievements, and friendships that will last a lifetime. None of it would have been possible without the dedication of our riders, the hard work of our crew, and above all, the unwavering support of our partners and sponsors, who stood shoulder to shoulder with us at every step. Their belief in our vision helped us achieve things we could only have dreamed of when we started out. As we prepare for the remainder of the season, our focus is on finishing on a high and celebrating what we’ve built together. From the bottom of my heart, thank you to everyone who has been part of this journey, especially to McAMS for their unwavering support over the past two years – you’ve made it truly special.”
Co-owner Sonya Martin echoed those sentiments, highlighting the relationships built over two decades of racing:
“Closing this chapter hasn’t been an easy choice, but it feels like the right moment to step away after such a remarkable journey. From lifting our first title in Ireland to making our mark on the British stage, the path has been filled with milestones we’re proud of, memories we’ll never forget, and friendships that will always mean so much. What we achieved was only possible because of the talent and commitment of our riders, the tireless effort of the team behind the scenes, and the backing of our partners and sponsors, whose faith in us turned ambition into reality. To everyone who has walked this road with us – thank you. You’ve made this adventure something truly special.”
A Legacy Secured
Though their withdrawal at the end of 2025 will leave a void in the paddock, Mar-Train Racing’s legacy is secure. Their journey from a fledgling Irish outfit to BSB race winners encapsulates everything fans love about motorcycle racing — ambition, resilience, and the pursuit of speed. As the team prepare to take their final bows at Brands Hatch this October, the Martins can look back on a story of triumphs, challenges, and memories that will endure long after the engines fall silent.
Image Mar-Train Racing
