WATCH: Touching montage commemorates Joey Dunlop anniversary
The BBC has put together a beautiful montage of footage showing Isle of Man TT legend Joey Dunlop and his career through the years
TWENTY years ago this week, Joey Dunlop climbed aboard his 125cc Honda race bike, and rode off down the pitlane for what would turn out to be, the final time.
The most successful man to race at the TT (26 wins), and arguably one of Northern Irelands most loved sportspeople, is being celebrated by the BBC with a moving montage showing some of Dunlop’s finest moments.
From sliding his race bike on to the deck of a small fishing boat prior to leaving for the Isle of Man, to taking one of his numerous wins in the blue ribband event, the Senior TT, the montage is an insightful and respectfully created snapshot into the racers life.
Contesting in 102 TT racers between 1976 and 2000, he amassed an unbeaten 26 TT wins, finishing up on the podium 40 times. Aside from the TT, Dunlop was also motorcycling Formula One world champion five times, also taking 24 Ulster Grand Prix successes among 48 victories on the Dundrod circuit and 13 North West 200 wins.
Dunlop was killed while taking part in a race at the Tallinn circuit in Estonia. His Honda 125cc race bike crash after Dunlop apparently lost control on the rain-soaked track. Leaving the circuit Dunlop and his bike struck a tree, killing the 48 years old instantly.
Off the track, Dunlop was awarded the MBE in 1986 for his services to the sport, and in 1996 he was awarded the OBE for his humanitarian work for children in Romanian orphanages, to which he had delivered clothing and food. Dunlop has featured in documentary films regarding his career: V Four Victory (1983), Joey – The Man Who Conquered the TT (2013) and Road (2014).
To view the montage, head to: bbc.co.uk
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!
