William Joseph Dunlop OBE MBE

25:2:52

2:7:2000

Joey Dunlop was an inspiration to every young man who ever felt the rush of adrenaline course through their veins at the thought of riding a motorcycle. Joey was no manufactured Champion with an ego like a bucket , he was just an ordinary country boy who just happened to have a natural talent for riding bikes. The way Joey went about his racing matched his character totally, he did it his own way, and when his talent was realized by the men in suits they tried to change him. That didn't work so in the end they just left him to his own devices and tried to give him the equipment that he needed to do the job he loved so much.

This was Joey Dunlop's 31st year of racing and he was just as much of a threat to his rivals as he had ever been. Indeed who else could have done what Joey did at the Isle of Man TT this year, I can't think of anyone. He was undoubtedly the best all round motorcycle road racer the world has ever seen. His records will I strongly suspect never be surpassed, for I cannot see pure roadracing lasting long enough for any other rider to come near breaking them. I recall Joey's mixed feelings about equalling then breaking Mike Hailwoods TT record. Joey was afraid that the motorcycle racing fans around the world would turn against him for surpassing Mike the bikes fantastic achievements, such was the modesty and humility of the man.

We all must remember Joey for all his great achievements, the wonderful races we have been lucky, so very lucky to witness. His unprecedented five World Championships, his unbeatable record of wins not only on the Isle of Man but the Southern 100 races and here at home Joey's awesome tally of wins on the Dundrod circuit be they in the Killinchy, Dundrod 150 or Ulster Grand Prix, and warmth and friendliness of a real family man. A devoted husband and father of five wonderful children. The thoughts of every fan throughout the world will surely be with Linda and the children during this time.

Our precious sport must be protected and where possible improved safety wise, but in intelligent ways, not just knee jerk reactions to tragedies. Road Racing crosses so many rifts in our culturally confused society we owe it to Joey Dunlop to show others that no matter how dangerous or how painful, The world of Motorcycle Road Racing, the world of Joey Dunlop has to go on if for nothing else for Joey, in his memory.

Have a pint with Owen Joey, you've deserved it.