I don't know much about motorcycle racing. I don't know much about motorcycles. I know that they fall over more easily that something on 4 wheels. I know that they afford little or no protection for their riders in the event of a crash - be it accidental or avoidable. I know they can give the most amazing thrills to those who spend time on board. Even the best riders fall off or come a-cropper in some way. Some walk away, some limp away, some are conveyed to hospitals in ambulances (by land or air) and some will never know what happened or will not live to remember what happened.
For those, even like me, who know little about the sport of motorbike racing the name of Dunlop has been synonymous with motorbike racing for a long time. It's not just about tyres it's about a family of biking enthusiats who take the sport to the extreme.
Joey Dunlop is probably the most well-known of the family. Born in 1952 in Ballymoney, Northern Ireland he was a great exponent of road racing. I say was as, sadly, Joey died whilst racing 125s in Tallinn, Estonia in 2000.
His younger brother, Robert, carried on the family tradition as did their sons.
The latest tragedy to hit the Dunlop family is the recent death of Robert Dunlop who died during a practise session in Northern Ireland readying for the Northwest 200. The engine seized throwing Robert off the bike at approximately 137mph. His two sons (of 3 ) were also there and competing. William's bike had similar problems so, come the race on 17th May 2008 (2 days later) it was down to Michael to uphold the family honour and ride in memory of father on board a Honda 250.
With the most amazing and gutsiest performance ever, Michael came home winner of the 250 class.
It is no mean feat to win at the NW200 but to do so after such tragic circumstances says alot for the character of Michael.
My thoughts go to everyone who knew Robert.
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