I watched Michael Dunlop dominate my native highway race, the Walderstown Road Races, extra occasions than I can bear in mind. After the races, I’d comply with the followers as much as the paddock (learn “field”) to congratulate the riders, gawk at their fire-breathing liter-bikes, and take a look at the campervans. Bear in thoughts, that it is not required to have a bike license to compete in a highway race in Ireland. 

But Dunlop is not simply any racer. He’s arguably probably the most profitable residing highway racer. And since he is simply three years my senior, I’ve watched him race and win since I obtained into the game. So, after I discovered that he did not have a bike license, to say I used to be “shocked” can be an understatement.

Getting the license 

Though Dunlop has been racing bikes on public roads for greater than half his life, at 34 years previous, he lastly determined it was time to get a bike highway license. Assisting him on his path to turning into road-legal was Moto Training NI.

A social media submit from the college learn:

So I get this cellphone name from a man who stated he had a lot of expertise using on the roads, however appeared to be having issue retaining a motorbike lined up and each wheels on the bottom.

Thankfully we have been capable of get him sorted and he handed his closing highway check in the present day within the worst of circumstances!

Has been nice craic – have a secure and profitable season Michael and thanks for selecting Moto Training NI

 

It appears like Dunlop did his check on a Kawasaki Z650, which most likely made a pleasant change of tempo from his 200+ horsepower Hawk Racing’s Honda CBR1000RR-R Fireblade. 

Dunlop’s subsequent check

It’s out of the frying pan and into the hearth for the Dunlop, who may make historical past across the mountain course this 12 months. He unofficially held the quickest common pace file across the IOM TT final 12 months, clocking 135.351 mph, and took 4 victories. This gave him a total of 25 IOM TT wins, only one lower than the file of 26 held by his uncle Joey Dunlop since 2000.

If Michael Dunlop can win only one race on the TT this 12 months, he’ll equal the file as probably the most winningest rider of all time.

And if he wins any extra, properly, he’ll make historical past. He can then go for a celebratory tour trip across the island. But this time, totally road-legal.