In 1996 in a classic season with races and places decided by the narrowest margins Martin faced some stiff opposition from Mike Schmidt in his 4wd Ford Seirra Sapphire, and the Class D Darrian of series debutante Terry Brown. However whilst Terry was to take several race victories he was hampered by the lack of cars in his class, and therefore all the big points were shared between Davies and Schmidt. Going into the final races of the championship Davies held a slender lead from Schmidt and Brown. In a double header shoot out, Schmidt won the first race, but more importantly Brown spun off at Hatchets on the first lap in a bid for the lead.

Ken Thompson and the works Darrian was on pole position and had made a good start and Brown may have wanted to get ahead of him at the earliest opportunity. Ironically Thompson only lasted two laps before his engine suffered the most explosive blow up ever seen at Pembrey, leaving Schmidt unchallenged, but Brown a long way back. Afterwards Schmidt declared he was looking to the taking the fight to Martin in the second race of the day, but this time Schmidt was the one to suffer as his front suspension snapped on the exit to Hatchets and he hit the barrier. In the meantime Terry had established himself in the lead, whilst Martin was involved in a big fight for the vital points he needed. In the end though Martin moved smoothly in the 2^nd place he needed and tied up a superb hat trick of championship wins.