In this section, we are not going to directly discuss the motorcycle Grands Prix. Instead, we're going to delve into the history of the most prestigious race in the world: 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.
After dealing with
Uncle Joey and
father Robert, let's focus on the son
William. If he is undoubtedly the least sacred of the Dunlop family, his destiny remains no less significant.
At only 15 years old, the latter began road racing and seemed determined to follow in his father's footsteps. The victories are starting to rain, but it's difficult to shine in the shadow of your younger brother Michael.
William along Sulby Straight. Photo: Phil Long
He entered the Tourist Trophy for the first time in 2006, unfortunately without much success. On the other hand, he demonstrates all his talent on other road races, such as the legendary
Ulster Grand Prix, route on which he will triumph seven times, or even the North West 200, four career victories.
In 2008, a significant event changed the life of young William. During qualifying for the North West 200, he is overtaken by his father Robert at high speed. At the sound, he notices an anomaly on his machine. In the same lap, his father fell at high speed due to a tightening, then was hit by a competitor. William arrives on the scene horrified.
This painful episode will not prevent him from coming back stronger
TT 2009, reaching the podium for the first time in the 125cc category. That same year, he competed in the
Valencia Grand Prix 250cc, finishing in 18th place.
The Tyco team, very prestigious in the world of road racing, hired him full-time to race
Suzuki GSX-R600 and other BMW S1000RR during the biggest meetings. Victory never comes.
He doesn't give up: 2nd in the Classic 500 TT 2013, 3rd Supersport 2012, 2013 and 2014, then 2nd in the TT Zero (electric motorcycle race) 2016. Nothing works. However, it was accepted that William Dunlop was an excellent pilot, one of the best. This did not translate into Snaefell Mountain Course.
Photo: Harvey Milligan
In 2018, the worst happened. At just 33 years old, William suffered a horrific accident during a training session counting towards the Skerries 100, a small race in County Dublin. The accident, which occurred at full speed, is appalling.
There is only one Dunlop left at the start of the races. The loss of William was terrible for the motorcycle world as well as for the family. He exuded joy, and the good humor was visible on his face. The weight of the family name and the rest, death doesn't care.
