What is the greatest race in motorcycling history? For over a hundred years, heroes have clashed, friendly or otherwise, on prepared or unprepared machines, all over the world. Some of these jousts have entered the pantheon, whether because of a fierce battle or an individual exploit. Today, let's look at what we consider to be the most beautiful, the most legendary but also the saddest of all in view of the unparalleled dramatic aspect.
No need to go to the circuits trodden by the chaworld championship. We are in Northern Ireland, on the legendary North West 200 triangle. Difficult to find a more glorious setting ; the event, run since 1929, is one of those road races so popular in these regions, like the Tourist Trophy on the Isle of Man or the Ulster Grand Prix.
Those who participate are not simple pilots, but heroes from an ancient fable. This discipline is so anachronistic that it becomes unreal, as if the participants did not evolve in the same world as us. Since their youth, most have been close to death. LThe registrants for this 2008 edition are no exception to the rule.
All the giants are there. Ian Hutchinson, Guy Martin, John McGuinness, Robert Dunlop, his sons Michael and William, without forgetting Steve Plater and other Michael Rutter. Several categories are to be contested; the majority of entrants participate in several of them over the same weekend. There too, a tradition from another time.
The famous North West 200 2006. A crazy race… Photo: Des Colhoun
The circuit is ready for May 18. Traced over the communes of Portrush, Portstewart and Coleraine a stone's throw from the frigid North Atlantic, it is unforgiving. Like all others of its kind, it is extremely demanding and devilishly fast.
The favorites are always the same, those mentioned above. One in particular acts like a scarecrow; Robert Dunlop, 47, returned from the dead after a huge crash at the TT during the 1994 edition. The latter races with his two sons, and is preparing to start the 250cc tests. However, Michael notices something strange with his father's machine. The smoke is not that of a two-stroke, usually more blueish. Robert, before rushing off, gives a reassuring wink to his old friend John McGuinness.
Shortly after the start of free practice, the loudspeakers located at Portrush Road, not far from the start line, paused time. The heavy fall of the legendary Robert Dunlop at Mather's Cross is announced. The first commissioners on site could only note the extent of the damage. In a critical condition, Robert is taken to Coleraine hospital but this time, he does not cheat death. Dunlop died the same day at around 22 p.m.
He had actually clutched his engine, but in wanting to take the clutch as quickly as possible, he confused it with the front brake lever located on the same side of the handlebars – adapted to his physical condition due to his mobility problems. Thus, the Northern Irishman went over the handlebars at nearly 250 km/h, before being hit on the ground by Darren Burns.
The route of the North West 200, for reference. Photo: Readro
The whole paddock is in shock; the death of his brother Joey in 2000 was still on everyone's minds. However, and it is sad to say, the organizers are used to it and are not stopping the event. It is with heavy hearts that the Dunlops, women and children, return to the family home. But while the condolence visits multiply, one protagonist is missing; William.
Reserved by nature, this specialist in small categories is in the garage, preparing his 250cc for the Saturday race. As crazy as it may seem, this decision was in harmony with the pugnacity of the Dunlops. In the stands, it's hard to believe it, but William is indeed there to fulfill the probable last wishes of his father Robert. Surrounded by cameras, he is soon joined by his brother Michael.
Race director Mervyn Whyte disagrees; he judges the two Northern Irishmen unfit to start. But Michael manages to sneak onto the gate, half hidden by his team and an umbrella. When the organization notices, it is too late to dislodge him, just like his brother. The public, stunned, would have cried foul if such a moment of history had been prevented from taking place.
On to the race. Even before the lights go out, fate does not spare William: the victim of a mechanical problem, he cannot start. The hopes of a people rest on the shoulders of 19-year-old Michael Dunlop. Believe it: the other pilots are not there to give gifts despite the situation.
From the start, Michael is at the forefront. He is accompanied by the English John McGuinness and Christian Elkin; namely that they all run Honda quarter-litres. The stunned audience witnesses an absolutely fantastic race, where Dunlop and Elkin fight like their lives depended on it. McGuinness can no longer keep up with the hectic pace.
There is a fine line between passionate and crazy. Photo: Paul
The Dunlop son delays his braking more and more, and passes a sensational overtake on his rival of the day in the “York Corner” hairpin; all in a stoppie and almost in distress, he slips through a mouse hole to take command. He is unleashed. The two don't let go of each other, but Michael wants more. After 19 minutes of fierce battle, he crossed the line in front of a delirious crowd.
Barely dismounted, he could not hold back his tears and collapsed. His mechanics try to console him, to talk to him, but they themselves are in tears and cannot hide their emotions. Truth be told, it's hard to find a single person with dry eyes in the stands. From the moment he saw the checkered flag until he stepped off the podium, Michael Dunlop couldn't stop crying. Tears of sadness but also of greatness; he had just achieved one of – if not the – greatest feat in the history of motorcycling competitions.
“It’s like there are thousands of people on Michael’s motorcycle” says John McGuinness in the excellent documentary Road, which explains the history of the Dunlop clan. Subsequently, Michael went on to make history by becoming a pillar of road racing. At the time of writing, he has 26 Tourist Trophy victories and counting. For William, it's different. Four years older, he was the victim of a terrible accident during the 100 Skerries 2018, another of these Irish road races.
It's hard to get more legendary than the Dunlop family. Did you know this story? Tell us in the comments!
Cover photo: the late Robert Dunlop, by Ramllow.
