Watch: Michael Dunlop: “He was one of the best, on and off track”
Michael Dunlop accepted the award as his late brother is inducted into the Hall of Fame last night
FEW FAMILIES have felt the highs and the crushing lows that motorcycling sport can bring deliver quite like the road racing dynasty of the Dunlop family.
Last night an emotional Michael Dunlop accepted a posthumous award to his older brother William, as the late rider was inducted into the Hall of Fame in Ireland.
The Ballymony racer lost his life in an accident while riding in a practice session at the Skerries road races in July 2018.
Speaking of the Dunlop families loses over the years, he went on to say: “Sadly, it seems to be that whenever one of our family passes away, that’s when the awards come. We were never in it for fame or glory. I’ll hold my head up, not for the award, but for being William’s brother.”
Michael was also quick to jump to the defence of his relationship with his brother, which the motorcycle media sometimes painted as the two being at odds, on and off the track. He said, “When we were off the track, we had a great bond and I’ll carry that bond on to look after his girls. Sadly, it seems to be that whenever one of our family passes away, that’s when the awards come. We were never in it for fame or glory. I’ll hold my head up, not for the award, but for being William’s brother.”
William’s death was the third to hit road racings most famous family after he lost his father Robert during practice for the 2008 North West 200 and his uncle Joey during a race in Estonia in 2000.
William lives on through partner Janine and four-month-old daughters Wila Wren, Ella (2), mother Louise and brothers Daniel and Michael.
Simon (AKA Toad) has been working within the motorcycle industry for more than twelve years, and a member of the motorcyclist family since birth. Growing up around British-built single and twins, it was inevitable that a life on two wheels was on the cards, from a very early age!
