Michael Dunlop Secures Record-Breaking 27th TT Victory
In a historic moment at the iconic Isle of Man TT Races, Michael Dunlop secured a record-breaking 27th victory, surpassing his uncle Joey’s 24-year-old record of 26 TT wins. This achievement was made possible by dominating the Metzeler Supertwin TT Race 1. Dunlop led the race from start to finish, eventually crossing the finish line 20.4 seconds ahead of Peter Hickman (Swan Racing Yamaha) in a race-record time of 56 minutes 15.993 seconds. Dominic Herbertson (Burrows Engineering/RK Racing Paton) claimed an impressive maiden TT podium, securing third place.
The race got underway at 11.45am, with Dunlop setting the pace at Glen Helen on the opening lap, building a 3.2-second advantage over Herbertson. Rob Hodson (SMT Racing Paton) and Jamie Coward (KTS Racing powered by Steadplan Kawasaki) trailed closely behind in third and fourth, respectively. As the riders approached Ballaugh, Dunlop doubled his lead, and by Ramsey, he had extended his gap over Herbertson to nine seconds.
Lap 1 Positions
- Michael Dunlop (121.044mph)
- Peter Hickman (119.950mph)
- Dominic Herbertson (119.420mph)
- Jamie Coward (119.419mph)
- Mike Browne (119.104mph)
- Rob Hodson (118.949mph)
As the race progressed, Paul Jordan retired at the pits, and Josh Brookes lost time due to his Rev2Race Yamaha refusing to fire. Davey Todd (Dafabet Racing Kawasaki) was running in seventh, ahead of Barry Furber (DC Autos Newtown Yamaha) and Michael Rutter (Bathams Ales Yamaha), who were separated by just a tenth of a second. Last year’s Senior Manx Grand Prix winner Joe Yeardsley (Team ILR/Frog Vehicle Developments Paton) completed the top 10.
Dunlop extended his lead to 13 seconds on the second lap, showcasing his prowess on the high-speed run to Ballaugh. As he rounded Ramsey Hairpin for the second time, he looked secure in the lead, with a 14-second advantage over Hickman. Herbertson maintained his hold on the final podium position, while Browne trailed by 2.5 seconds in fourth.
Entering the third and final lap, Hickman narrowed the gap to 12 seconds, but Dunlop responded by stretching his lead to 17.3 seconds by Glen Helen. Herbertson consolidated his third place, while Browne slipped back to fifth due to an oil leak, allowing Coward to overtake him. Hodson’s strong ride ended with retirement at the Bottom of Bray Hill.
Final Results
- Michael Dunlop (122.434mph)
- Peter Hickman (+20.4 seconds)
- Dominic Herbertson (+25.8 seconds)
- Jamie Coward (+31.2 seconds)
- Mike Browne (+44.9 seconds)
- Davey Todd (+50.4 seconds)
- Michael Rutter (+53.3 seconds)
- Joe Yeardsley (+55.2 seconds)
- AJ Venter (TH Racing Kawasaki) (+1:01.2)
- Pierre-Yves Bian (VAS Engine Paton) (+1:03.4)
June 3, 2023
🔗 Source
