Brothers ensure the Dunlop dynasty lives on

Ulster Grand Prix

Monday, August 20, 2007

By Jimmy Walker

"When I was racing at my peak and the boys were growing up, I had no idea that it would get to a stage where both of them would be racing against me. I am so proud, I think it is impossible to put into words, but after Saturday's win by my son William at the Ulster Grand Prix, I felt a glow all over."

This was the view of Robert Dunlop, for so long a pacesetter himself, as he reflected on a memorable day for the Dunlop dynasty.

It seems like only yesterday that Dunlop senior was winning the Superbike class at the Ulster on the John Player Norton. "Great times indeed," said Robert, "and I had no idea that my sons, who were only fledglings, would eventually take over where I had left off.

"I'm not saying that I am giving up, for I'm still riding in the 125cc class, but obviously William and Michael have begun to take over the Dunlop road show."

For William, Saturday was a special day, for he won the 250cc race, beating his brother Michael into second spot.

This was a turnaround to recent races where Michael had beaten William at the Kells and mid-Antrim road races.

"If you were to ask me whom I favoured on Saturday, I would have to say William for he's the older brother and he has been so unfortunate in big race wins finishing second and third," said Robert.

"Saturday was his day and although I wouldn't have been upset if Michael had beaten him, I feel William deserved his first international win after all he had put into it - and he was so unlucky when third last year. I'm proud of both boys and our next outing will be the Dundalk road races at the end of this month, after which we will go to the Killilane meeting in County Dublin as well as Scarborough and the German meeting at Frobourg.

"You can only ride three races at this meeting and I will be on a 125 with William on the 250 and the Superbike. Michael will also be riding and it should be hopefully a successful day."

Meanwhile, William said after Saturday: "I was really looking forward to this race. I was in the lead from the start, but as the race went on the rain came down and I just wondered whether I would be able to hold on to my advantage.

"I knew Michael was close behind me, but I dared not relax for I knew he was ready to pounce. I'm glad I held on."

Dad Robert added: "You know people don't realise the amount of dedication and effort these boys put into road racing. It's all about taking the chequered flag first and while it was William's day on Saturday, I would have to say that Michael's opportunity will come again.

" There's a great future for the two boys - William is 22 and Michael 18 - and hopefully, road racing will dominate their lives as it has done with me."