Michael writes another chapter in Dunlop legacy at TT’25

MD extends win record with four more wins

For a long time they said Joey Dunlop’s record of 26 TT wins would never be beaten but, when it was, it was fitting that it was his nephew Michael who moved the benchmark forward. He surpassed the record at the 2024 Isle of Man TT Races, leaving with 29 career victories.

Four more wins this year elevates him to a staggering 33 successes, with no one knowing just how many more the greatest road racer of all time may achieve before he calls time on his career.

Born in Ballymoney, Northern Ireland, into the famous Dunlop dynasty, Michael had some big boots to fill. His father Robert was a five-time TT winner, whose potential was unfulfilled due to serious injuries sustained when the aftermarket rear wheel of his Honda RC45 collapsed at the 1994 TT.

Such was his determination, Robert came back to ride smaller capacity bikes after two years out – and in 1998 won the Ultra Lightweight TT for 125cc Grand Prix style machines. Robert died during practice for the 250cc race at the 2008 North West 200, and teenage Michael showed the character for which he would become famous by not only continuing to race that weekend, but by winning the same 250cc race in which his father had intended to compete.

Michael is one of the youngest ever riders to stand atop a TT podium. He was just 20 when he won the second Supersport TT in 2009, an achievement made even more impressive by the fact that it was only his second year competing on the island. His older brother William was also a top road racer, winning over 100 Irish road races and scoring six TT podiums before his untimely death in a racing incident at the Skerries 100 races in July 2018.

Despite having lost his father, brother and uncle to road racing, Michael’s shown no desire to ever quit the sport – indeed he’s always spoken about legacy and his duty to keep the Dunlop name on top.

He’s been on the podium at least once at every TT since that first win, contributing to the record breaking 51 times he’s finished in the top three of a TT race. His performances at this year’s event, when he finished top three in all seven solo races, saw him overtake John McGuinness’ previous record of 47.

At just 36, Dunlop remains a relative youngster in road racing terms – meaning the records will likely keep being extended in the coming years.

Not that it has all been easy for Michael. Like uncle Joey, he’s an introvert who lets his riding do the talking. Always one to shun the attention, his lack of PR shine and uncompromising nature has seen him operate best as privateer in recent years.

Spells with factory Honda and Yamaha teams were short and often fiery, most famously 10 years ago when he dumped his Milwaukee Yamaha team during practice (switching to a BMW for the races), and these days he runs the bikes and tyres he feels give him the best chance of winning, rather than the biggest paycheque, out of his own MD Racing awning.

There are no manufacturer logos on his leathers, but that’s not to say he doesn’t get the best of equipment or factory support. His BMW superbike was built by SMR, the team who run Toprak Razgatlioglu’s championship winning WorldSBK squad, while Ducati helped with the Panigale V2 he rode to victory in the Supersport TTs.

And in Supertwins, MD’s Paton comes directly from the factory – with one high profile opponent adamant that Michael’s bike was faster than the bikes supplied by the Italian factory to other riders. Being the maverick that he is, Michael was the only front runner using Dunlop tyres at TT 2025.

While others wore Metzeler caps and said how good the tyres provided to them were, Michael reportedly paid for his own rubber and was openly vocal when the material wasn’t as he expected it to be.

Getting to know the real Michael Dunlop is something few, if any, people know. Like his late uncle Joey, he’s generally a man of few words and opponents don’t seem to be able to get inside his head. That said, he seemed to come out of his shell a little at this year’s event – participating in some pre-TT publicity and being more open in his post-race interviews.

Of course, being the enigma that he is, it was only officially announced at the last minute that he would be riding BMW and Ducati at the 2025 TT, a change from the Hondas and Yamahas he rode in recent years.

In the week before the TT a corner was named in his honour (around the 27th milestone, to signify his record breaking number of wins) and although the lack of practice time limited his effectiveness in the three 1000cc races (he still bagged a second and two thirds on bikes with set-up issues) he remained the boss of the smaller capacity bikes – extending his winning streak to eight Supersport TTs with victories on the Ducati and romping home to two more wins and a new lap record in the Supertwins.

Speaking at the unveiling of MD’s corner before the TT he said: “Anyone that knows me will know how important history and legacy is to me. I’m definitely not one for the attention, and I think everyone knows I don’t really enjoy the spotlight, but to be recognised in this way is special and means a great deal to me. I’ve still got plenty of wins in me yet, who knows where I’ll get to in that respect, but to know that this corner is here and will always be here – it’s a real privilege.” 

Following the Entire Cover insurance Supertwin TT, his 33rd race win, he added: “I am enjoying riding the bikes. It’s nice to have over 50 podiums but the main thing for me is always winning races.”

Michael Dunlop is undoubtedly the greatest Isle of Man TT racer of all time. He will be a legend and inspiration for generations to come. And he certainly isn’t done yet…!