Michael Dunlop’s Take on National Road Racing
Michael Dunlop has made headlines with his assertion that national road racing is “finished,” despite the ongoing popularity of major events like the Isle of Man TT and the NW200. The Ballymoney racer, who recently broke his uncle Joey Dunlop’s record for wins at the Isle of Man TT, believes that the landscape of road racing is changing, with more competitors coming from the British Superbike Championship.
“People will not like it, but national road racing is finishing. It’s finished, we can see that,” Dunlop stated. “The TT will thrive regardless, the North West will thrive regardless. That might be controversial.” He highlighted that national road racing used to be the stepping stone to international competitions but questions who among current international winners comes from the national ranks. “Realistically, who is now winning international road races who is a national road racer? We’re racing against BSB people now. That’s who is at the front of the North West now, that’s who wants to be riding at the front of the TT,” Dunlop added.
Celebrating Dunlop’s Record at the Isle of Man TT
Dunlop’s remarkable achievement at this summer’s TT was celebrated in his hometown over the weekend, an event he described as a “privilege.” He emphasized the importance of community recognition, saying, “That’s what we do this game for, to see that reaction.” Unlike athletes in other sports who receive formal accolades like knighthoods and MBEs, Dunlop feels that motorcycle racers often go unrecognized. “The town doing this is great. It shows some people are still thinking of us,” he said.
His record-breaking performance has significantly raised his profile in the road racing community, with fans from places as far away as Australia and New Zealand reaching out to congratulate him. “You’re getting pictures sent to you from bars, and even if you walked into the bar, the people would never know who you are, but there’s a picture on the wall of you on a bike,” he shared, reflecting on the unexpected fame that comes with success.
Dunlop admits that the attention can be overwhelming. “People don’t understand people like me. We don’t do it for fame; I don’t classify myself as famous,” he explained. “I ride a motorbike, that’s where I do my thing, and afterwards I just want to go back to being normal.” He prefers to focus on success rather than seeking fame, stating, “I just want to be a motorbike racer because that’s what we’re reared in.”
With Joey Dunlop’s previous Isle of Man record standing since 2000, Michael Dunlop is determined to extend his tally of wins in the coming years. “This year I was faster than I’ve ever been,” he noted. “It’s quite funny. With the injury, I thought the TT was going to be a massive struggle [this year]. To know I went in in that shape, to go back again fit, I think we’re all right.”
As Michael Dunlop continues to make his mark on the world of road racing, his reflections on the sport’s future and his personal journey offer valuable insights into the changing landscape of motorcycle racing.
For more updates on motorcycle racing and Michael Dunlop’s journey, visit BBC Sports and explore detailed analyses at Eurasia Sports.
