TT legend Michael Dunlop lands BSB return for Oulton Park

Michael Dunlop will line up on the 2021 British Superbike Championship (BSB) grid at Oulton Park this weekend after being called up by Buildbase Suzuki.

The Ulsterman has been tapped as the latest deputy for podium winner Danny Kent, who is still on the road to recovery from a broken hip sustained in an accident at Donington Park in July.

After Tim Neave and Luke Stapleford competed at Cadwell Park and Silverstone respectively, Suzuki has opted for experience for this weekend’s Round 9 of the 2021 series, the first of three events that will decide the outcome of the championship through the Title Showdown.

This is Dunlop’s second outing in the BSB paddock outing this month after joining Triumph in the British Supersport class last time out at Silverstone. He has previously won the Classic TT on Suzuki machinery.

“We’ve always maintained a close relationship with Michael, and have enjoyed plenty of success together, especially on the roads,” said Hawk Racing boss Steve Hicken. 

“With everything that’s gone on over the last 18 months or so, we were more than happy to welcome Michael back into the team this weekend to not only maintain our presence with two superbikes on the grid, but also help give him some more track time.”

Dunlop has made sporadic BSB appearances over the years to dovetail his commitments road racing, though he has been largely sidelined since 2019 as COVID impacts schedules.

Part of the hugely successful Dunlop dynasty, Michael is considered one of the greatest road racer’s of all time with 19 Isle of Man TT wins alone.