Michael Dunlop
Michael Dunlop, born on April 10, 1989 in Ballymoney (County Antrim, Northern Ireland), is a British motorcycle racer with the number 6, who is considered the most successful rider in the history of the Isle of Man TT and is revered as a “road racing legend.” As of September 29, 2025, he was 36 years old and grew up in the famous Dunlop dynasty: nephew of 26-time TT winner Joey Dunlop (1952–2000), son of Robert Dunlop (1960–2008, 5 TT victories), and brother of William Dunlop (born 1985, 2 TT victories). This family tradition shaped his career from an early age – Michael made his debut in the North West 200 in 2006 at the age of 17 and won his first Irish road race victory in 2007. Dunlop, who lives in Ballymoney, is known for his explosive speed, emotional depth (he often dedicates victories to his late father and uncle), and versatility: he has won every TT class (except Sidecar) and set records that are considered unsurpassed. His motto: “In the endless pursuit for success” – a principle he lived by in over 200 races, including victories in BSB support and international road races. Dunlop mainly rode BMW S 1000 RRs, Suzuki GSX-Rs, and Ducati Panigales for teams such as Hawk Racing, Tyco BMW, TAS Racing, and Penz13.com. Known for his willingness to take risks on the 37.73-mile Mountain Course, he shared lineups with riders such as Dean Harrison. With 33 TT wins (as of 2025), he has broken Joey’s record (26) and has 124 Irish road wins (as of 2024). He is married to Victoria and the father of two children, balancing his sport with family and safety commitments (e.g., the Joey Dunlop Foundation). His philosophy: “Racing is heart and legacy” – a legacy that makes him the “King of the Mountain.”
Important racing successes
Dunlop’s career is a record book: 33 TT victories (more than anyone else), 5 single-week victories (2013, 2014), 124 Irish road wins. Here’s an overview of the highlights (not exhaustive; focus on milestones, as of TT 2025):
| Year | Championship / Event | Success | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2006 | North West 200 – Supersport | Debut & Top 20 | First professional start; Yamaha R6; entry into road racing. |
| 2007 | Irish Road Races – Cookstown 100 | Winner (Supersport) | First Irish victory; early talent. |
| 2009 | Isle of Man TT – Supersport 1 | winner | First TT victory; 17 years old; Yamaha R6; record as youngest winner. |
| 2011 | Isle of Man TT – Supersport 1/2 | Double Win | Second and third win; 3 wins in total. |
| 2013 | Isle of Man TT | 5 wins in one week | Record; Superbike, Supersport (Double), Superstock, Senior; 8 wins in total. |
| 2014 | Isle of Man TT | 5 wins in one week | Superbike, Supersport (Double), Superstock, Senior; 13 wins in total; BMW S 1000 RR. |
| 2014 | IRRC Frohburg – Superbike | Pole & DNF | Pole position (1:22.456); crash on lap 3; Penz13.com BMW S 1000 RR. |
| 2016 | Isle of Man TT | 5 wins | Superbike, Supersport (Double), Superstock, Senior; 18 wins in total. |
| 2018 | Isle of Man TT – Superbike | winner | 19. Victory; Tyco BMW; Lap record 133,237 mph. |
| 2019 | Isle of Man TT | 3 wins | Supersport (Double), Superstock; 22 wins in total. |
| 2021 | Isle of Man TT | 4 wins | Superbike, Supersport (Double), Superstock; 26 wins in total (tied with Joey). |
| 2022 | Isle of Man TT | 5 wins | Superbike, Supersport (Double), Superstock, Senior; 31 wins in total; record broken. |
| 2022 | Imatra Superbike | DNF (technical problems) | Debut; Penz13.com Honda CBR1000RR-R; Qualifying P8; No finish in 3 races. |
| 2023 | Isle of Man TT | 1 win | Supersport; 32 wins in total. |
| 2024 | Isle of Man TT | 1 win | Senior; 33 wins overall; Ducati V4 Panigale. |
| 2025 | Isle of Man TT – Supersport Race 2 | winner | 32. Victory; Ducati V2 Panigale; Italian Machinery Double. |
| 2025 | Isle of Man TT – Supertwin Race 2 | winner | 33rd win; Paton S1-R; Lap record; New record with 33 wins. |
| 2007–2025 | Irish Road Races / NW200 / UGP | 124 victories | Record; e.g., 11 NW200 wins, 5 UGP wins; “Irish Road King.” |
| 2006–2025 | BSB Support / Other | Several podiums | 20+ wins; strength at Brands Hatch and Dundrod; 45 TT podiums. |
Notes on the successes: Dunlop’s 33 TT victories (as of 2025) are unmatched; five-week victories (2013, 2014, 2016, 2022) are records. Irish Road: 124 victories (as of 2024); 2025 TT: Italian double (Ducati/Paton) with lap record in Supertwin. Frohburg 2014: Pole, but DNF. Imatra 2022: DNF due to technical failure. No WorldSBK titles, but road racing GOAT.
Contract with Penz13 and races during this time
Michael Dunlop had two project-based contracts with the German BMW/Honda team Penz13.com (managed by Rico Penzkofer), which specializes in road racing. The first, in 2014, included the IRRC finale in Frohburg on the BMW S 1000 RR (#6); the second, in 2022, the Imatra event on the Honda CBR1000RR-R (#6). Penz13 chose Dunlop for his TT dominance—he was a solo rider. The contracts brought “mountain speed” and benefited from setup optimizations (e.g., Metzeler tires). The collaborations ended after one event each; Penz13 celebrated them as a “debut with a legend” and offers replicas (e.g., Frohburg full wrap).
Racing with Penz13 (2014 & 2022): Dunlop participated in two road races; the team achieved pole/DNF and qualifying highlights.
- IRRC Frohburg – Superbike (September 13–14, 2014): Pole position (1:22.456, track record); crash on lap 3 (swimming pool corner, tire wear); DNF; solo rider; BMW S 1000 RR. “Penz13 bike was great, but bad luck” (Dunlop quote). Iconic replica full wrap.
- Imatra Superbike (July 1–3, 2022): Qualifying P8; DNF in all three races (technical problems, e.g., electronics); solo rider; Honda CBR1000RR-R. “First race after the TT – good feeling, despite issues” (Dunlop quote). Kostamo (Penz13 BMW) won all.
The partnerships were short but striking – Penz13’s bikes showed potential; Dunlop’s pole in Frohburg and Imatra qualifying highlights, despite DNFs.
Current and future plans
As of September 29, 2025 (age 36), Michael Dunlop is at the peak of his career: At the 2025 TT, he achieved two victories (Supersport Race 2 on a Ducati V2 Panigale, 32nd overall; Supertwin Race 2 on a Paton S1-R, 33rd victory with a lap record) – an “Italian double” (Ducati/Paton), which consolidated his record to 33. He has ridden the Milwaukee Senior TT (BMW M1000RR with Hawk Racing) and Supersport (Ducati), with a partnership with Milwaukee Tools (BMW/Ducati mix). Dunlop recently won the Tandragee 100 (June 2025, Superbike double, 11th victory there) and holds the Supersport lap record. He tests for BMW (e.g., at Oulton Park Prep) and is involved with the Joey Dunlop Foundation (charity rides, September 2025). On Instagram, he posts about “Legacy Wins” (July 2025, 9k likes). In his private life, he balances family: “Toby is my biggest fan” – quote from the podcast.
Future plans: Dunlop is planning the 2026 TT (May 25 – June 6, goal: 35 wins, BMW/Ducati mix with Hawk) and the Classic TT (August 2026). Possible 2026 BSB wildcards (Kawasaki). Long-term: Founding an Academy (Northern Ireland, starting in 2027) and a TV pundit role (TNT Sports starting in 2026). “TT until 40 – then legacy” – quote from a 2025 TT interview.