Big splash!

Now, one year on, Martin is celebrating his best-ever season after winning the prestigious SD34 title - for the fourth time.

"It's strange how things change in just a short space of time," said the Blackburn driver.

"I really had made my mind up to quit and it was only a chance remark by my wife, Kath, that turned it round.

"She said she didn't like the idea of me hanging round the house bored at the weekends!

"I think she was joking, but then I realised she was right."

The 2006 season didn't get off to the best of starts for Martin, finishing only 11th on the Shaw Trophy, out of the points on the Ryemoor Rally and blowing a head gasket on the VK Derbyshire.

Lying fifth overall after three rounds, Martin wondered if he had done the right thing.

But then it came right, starting with maximum points on the Westmoreland and straight wins on the Countdown and Morecambe, road rallies.

In addition, he won the Hexham-based John Robson Rally, which was a round of the ANCC series.

That was enough to put him clear in the race for the driver's title, a lead which he kept right to the end, finishing two points ahead of Kirkby Lonsdale motor club member Dan Willan.

And Martin, who used his distinctive orange Peugeot 205GTi all year, paid tribute to navigator Jerry Hettrick, who joined him part way though the Championship, replacing his long-term mapman Paul Taylor.

"Jerry has been fantastic. He just doesn't make a mistake, and I reckon he's one of the best road rally navigators in the country," said Martin, who is a member of Clitheroe and district motor club.

"His commitment and professionalism took us to another level, and I'm delighted to have helped Jerry win his first ever championship."

And with another year of road rallying and another title under his belt, is Martin contemplating retirement again?

He said: "Not a chance. I think 2006 was my best ever season so there's no way I'm walking away from the sport just yet!"