In the realm of road racing, a monumental milestone has been achieved as Michael Dunlop equals his late uncle Joey’s record of 26 Isle of Man TT wins. This remarkable feat was accomplished on Saturday when Michael dominated the opening Supersport race of TT 2024, riding his MD Racing Yamaha to victory with an eight-second margin over Davey Todd.
A Family Legacy
John McGuinness had previously been the closest to Joey’s tally, securing his 23rd win in the Zero TT in 2016, before Michael Dunlop’s remarkable success last year brought him within touching distance of the record. Now, the 26-time TT winner has matched his legendary uncle’s achievement, a moment that holds great significance for the Dunlop road racing dynasty.
Although Michael Dunlop had enjoyed success in the Supersport category in 2022 and 2023, the 2024 practice week proved challenging due to his switch from Triumph to Yamaha machinery. Moreover, he had suffered a wrist injury in a crash at the Cookstown 100 earlier this year, admitting during the TT+ live broadcast that he “felt sore” midway through the four-lap contest.
A Monumental Achievement
Reflecting on his monumental achievement, Michael expressed that equalling Joey Dunlop’s record had been weighing on his mind throughout the week, and finally matching it was “something special.” He stated, “It’s fantastic. I knew it was going to be tight, that’s for sure. We made a lot of changes, we had issues in practice, and it just took me a couple of laps to bed in.”
Michael Dunlop’s Yamaha proved to be a key factor in his success, allowing him to overcome the challenges he faced during practice week. As he noted, “But look, I assumed it was Davey [behind me] and Davey’s riding really well this week. He may be a bit frustrated, but he’s got that pace, and to beat somebody like Davey round here with the form he’s in at the minute was tough going.”
A Poignant Moment
This shared record is a poignant moment for the Dunlop family, given the tragic losses they have endured. Joey Dunlop’s passing in 2000 was followed by the death of Michael’s father, Robert, in 2008, and later, his younger brother William in 2018. Michael’s emotional victory in the 250cc race at the North West 200 in 2008, just days after his father’s passing, serves as a testament to the family’s unwavering dedication to road racing.
A Remarkable Journey
Michael Dunlop’s journey to 26 Isle of Man TT wins is a remarkable one, with his first victory coming in the 2009 Supersport TT 2. Since then, he has amassed an impressive collection of wins across various categories, including the Superbike TT, Superstock TT, Supersport TT, and Lightweight TT. His latest triumph marks a new chapter in the Dunlop legacy, further solidifying their position as one of the most revered road racing dynasties.
June 17, 2024, iomtt.com
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