Alex Martin will miss rounds seven, eight and nine of the 2015 Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship at Thruxton as the Dextra Racing driver will undergo a back operation next week.
The operation will treat a long-standing back problem for BTCC rookie who has been suffering from two badly slipped discs, Martin to undertake a routine microdiscectomy procedure to correct the problem.
As a result, both Martin and Dextra Racing will not compete in the third meeting of the 2015 season at Thruxton, which takes place across the dates of 9/10 May in Hampshire.
Martin said: “It’s obviously frustrating but in many ways I’m excited about finally getting back to 100 per cent fitness,” said Martin. “It’s an old injury – one that I thought I could nurse through to the winter – but I’ve just been in so much pain that I had to make the decision to have surgery now.”
The Dorset-based driver is however hopeful of contesting the following event at Oulton Park in June, should his body respond positively to the procedure.
“It’s a shame to miss my home event of course,” he added.
“I’ve really enjoyed being a part of the BTCC but in truth I haven’t felt like I could perform to the best of my ability due to the injury. I haven’t really been able to sleep and I’m in too much pain when I drive, so it’s best that we get it right and come back stronger for the rest of the season.”
Martin currently lies fourth in the Jack Sears Trophy which is eligible only for rookie drivers, having secured a best overall finish of 18th from six races.
