Michael Dunlop’s status as the most successful Isle of Man TT racer of all time has been celebrated with the ultimate honour on the Snaefell Mountain circuit, with a corner just after the 27th milestone on the historic course officially being named as ‘MD’s’ ahead of this year’s race.
Dunlop took the record of all-time TT wins at last year’s event when he surpassed his uncle Joey’s record of 26 victories, set all the way back in 2000. Now a 29-time winner, he has been rewarded by joining an illustrious group of names that includes Joey, for whom the 26th milestone is named after.
The corner that will now bear his name is currently unnamed - but is a fast left-hand kink after the iconic Guthrie's that offers riders their first view of the summit of Snaefell mountain as the approach the Mountain Mile.
“I’ve said plenty of times since matching and passing Joey’s record that records are there to be broken and they will be broken again,” said Dunlop at the unveiling of the new corner marker.
“But for me, it has always been important that the Dunlop name continues on at the top of the sport, and for it to be a Dunlop that takes things to that next level.
“It is a real, genuine honour to have this happen, and it’s something I’m really proud of. 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.”
Dunlop will kick off this year’s event on Monday as a leading contender, with a strong showing at the North West 200 earlier this month very much suggesting the bar of 29 wins will soon be raised once again.
