In this section, we are not going to directly discuss the motorcycle Grands Prix. Instead, we'll delve into the history of the world's most prestigious race:
The Tourist Trophy. The mere mention of this name gives shivers to some enthusiasts. Little reminder, for the newbies. THE " TT » is a legendary race, taking place each year on the Isle of Man, a small independent dependency located between England and Northern Ireland. It takes place on a circuit of more than 60 km, traced on the roads since 1907.
There he is, the last of Clan Dunlop. After having mentioned
l'oncle,
Father Robert and
oldest brother, here we are facing the youngest of the family.
Michael Dunlop honors his blood. Without any hesitation, he is one of the best drivers in the history of the Tourist Trophy.
Born in 1989, four years later
William, Michael logically grew up in the British paddocks. His youth was punctuated by mechanics, a theme specific to the Dunlop dynasty and more broadly to road racing drivers. When you put your life on the line every time you go out, it's better to be sure of your equipment, even if it means checking everything yourself.
Full attack, on a trap, during the 2013 Manx Grand Prix. Photo: agljones
So, we would have to wait until 2007 and his 18th birthday to see him at the start of his first TT. Make no mistake: Michael is already fast and has triumphed in modest junior races, particularly in his Northern Ireland native.
2008 is one of its most important years. During the weekend of North West 200, he loses his father
Robert but decides to run the test anyway. At the end of the suspense, Michael wins the race in an incredible atmosphere.
This victory puts him on the map. From now on, we know that he is the worthy heir of the Dunlops, as much as his brother. His Tourist Trophy is more difficult. Despite a fantastic lap at 200,8 km/h,
the fastest of all Dunlops, he cannot do better than 10th.
The first victory along the mountain does not take long to come. From 2009, he opened the counter in Supersport, before confirming a year later in Superstock. This is one of his particularities: Michael is strong everywhere, regardless of the category.
In 2013, he achieved a feat. In addition to winning the
Classic TT F1, he wins the
Superstock, the two races
Supersport and the
Superbike. However, he must leave the Senior to his competitor, the legendary John McGuinness.
Other memorable victories followed, sometimes pushing back the lap record, as in 2016. His level of performance has declined over the years, but that does not prevent him from triumphing in the category. Lightweight in 2019, latest edition.
Dunlop on Honda 600CBR Fireblade, Superstock category in 2013. Photo: Phil Long
In total, twenty victories on the island, the third best total in history behind Joey Dunlop and McGuinness. At only 32 years old, he can still hope to reach the very top of the basket. His spectacular style, always on the attack, is closely linked to his sanguine character. Indeed, the latter is also known for his quarrels, in particular with the stables.
Impossible to attach it to a brand for very long. In addition to his team MD Racing Yamaha (as well as Honda TT Legends), he had a successful career with Tyco BMW, a top team that raced Guy Martin and Peter Hickman. Besides, Michael doesn't hesitate to get on old machines, and not for sorting lentils!
In 2017, he recreated the feat of Bob McIntyre, driving at an average of 100 mph (or 160 kmh) on the handlebars of a 1957 Gilera replica, in period clothes please! The marks of a true enthusiast.
Michael is the only one left. We would like to tell him to stop, to take care of his family, not to play with life. What's the point, the road runs through his veins, like his ancestors.
Cover photo: Phil Long
