The Dunlop Dynasty: How Michael Just Became the Isle of Man TT King

By Lewis Barnett 2 June, 2025 7 mins read 63 Views

God, where do I even start with the Dunlops?

If you've ever watched motorcycle racing—and I mean really watched it, not just caught highlights on your phone—you know that name carries weight. Real weight. The kind that makes your stomach drop when you see a rider lean into a corner at 180 mph, knowing his uncle died doing the exact same thing.

Joey Dunlop was the absolute legend of the Isle of Man TT. Twenty-four years after his death, they still hand out the Joey Dunlop Cup to the overall winner each year. There's literally a statue of the man on the island. That's how you know someone was special—when they build you in bronze and tourists take selfies with your face.

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The Kid Who Had Everything to Prove

Michael Dunlop isn't just some random rider who happened to get good. This is Joey's nephew, Robert's son, William's brother. Racing is basically encoded in his DNA at this point.

Picture this: you're 18 years old, and your first Isle of Man TT result is 25th place. Most people would call that respectable for a debut. But when your uncle holds the all-time wins record? That 25th probably felt like a slap in the face.

Two years later, Michael won his first race—the Supersport TT in 2009. And then something clicked.

Since 2010, he's only had ONE year without a win. One! That was 2015, and honestly, it was a disaster—four DNFs and a second place. I bet he still thinks about that year when he can't sleep.

Breaking Records Like They're Made of Glass

Here's where it gets absolutely wild. Michael didn't just edge past Joey's record—he smashed through it like it wasn't even there.

In 2024, he won four races. Four! That made it his second consecutive year pulling off that feat. His 27th win came in the Supertwins TT, officially breaking Joey's record of 26. But did he stop there? Hell no. He went on to win 29 races total that year.

Then 2025 rolled around, and on day one of the event, he casually won the Supersport TT Race 1. Because apparently 29 wins wasn't enough.

The current leaderboard looks like this:

1. Michael Dunlop – 30 wins
2. Joey Dunlop – 26 wins
3. John McGuinness – 23 wins
4. Dave Molyneux – 17 wins
5. Ian Hutchinson – 16 wins

Poor John McGuinness. He got so close with 23 wins between 1999 and 2015, but Michael just blew past him like he was standing still.

What He Actually Said (And Why It Matters)

When Michael broke the record, his response was... well, it was perfect, actually.

"Everyone's inspiration was to be a Joey Dunlop around the Isle of Man," he said. "I'm no better than Joey, never was. Joey's record stood for 24 years and it's an honour. Joey was a special talent."

Then he added something that gave me chills: "My record will be beaten one day but I don't care."

That's the thing about real champions—they understand they're just temporary custodians of greatness. Someone else will come along eventually. Maybe another Dunlop, maybe not.

He also mentioned having bike issues during first practice that day. "We had an issue in first practice and were struggling a wee bit but the boys worked hard on it and the bike was mint," he explained. "We had to push on as I knew we would."

Imagine breaking a 24-year-old record while dealing with mechanical problems. That's not luck—that's pure skill mixed with the kind of determination that runs in families.

The Weight of Legacy

Here's what gets me about this whole story. Michael didn't just inherit a famous name—he inherited the pressure that comes with it. Every time he gets on that bike, he's carrying the memory of Joey, who died in 2000 during a race in Estonia. He's carrying the expectations of an entire sport.

And somehow, he's managed to not just live up to those expectations but exceed them completely.

Thirty wins and counting. The record that seemed untouchable for nearly a quarter-century? Gone. Just like that.

The Isle of Man TT has a new king, and his name is still Dunlop.

Frequently Asked Questions

What materials do Formula 1 cars' chassis typically consist of?

The chassis of a Formula 1 car is primarily constructed from carbon fiber composites. This material has a high strength-toweight-ratio, which offers excellent rigidity at a low weight. Aluminum and titanium are also used for certain components. Honeycomb structures and advanced polymers can be incorporated to increase structural efficiency and improve crash absorption.

How do F1 teams simulate car performance before actual races?

F1 teams rely on a variety of simulation tools in order to accurately predict the performance of their cars before they hit the track. Computational Fluid Dynamics, chassis and suspension modeling, as well as full-scale testing in wind tunnels, are all used to predict car performance. Additionally, drivers can use driver in the loop simulators to get feedback and experience virtual circuits. These simulations can help teams improve setups, strategies and tactics in preparation for races.

Could you explain the role of the Power Unit in a Formula 1 car?

The Power Unit (PU) in a Formula 1 is a combination engine with electrical systems. This includes the Energy Recovery System. The internal combustion engine is the primary propulsion source, and the ERS provides additional performance. Integrating these components is crucial for achieving maximum power, efficiency, as well as compliance with regulatory restrictions.

What innovations have improved fuel efficiency in Formula 1 engines?

Fuel efficiency has been improved in Formula 1 engines through several key innovations. Turbocharging is a way to increase power in smaller engines with less fuel. Direct fuel injection provides precise fuel delivery for better combustion efficiency. Energy Recovery System captures and reuses wasted energy to reduce fuel consumption. The efficiency and sustainability of F1 power units are improved by these and other innovations.

What type of communication system do F1 teams employ during a race?

F1 teams rely on sophisticated communication systems in order to stay in constant touch with their drivers, race engineers, strategists, and race engineers during a race. These systems comprise of radio communications for voice, and telemetry for data transfer. Teams use digital encryption radio systems to ensure clear communication, even in noisy environments. These systems allow teams to make decisions in real time and give drivers vital information on their car's performance and race strategy.

What is the role of hybrid technologies in Formula 1 engines

Energy Recovery System or hybrid technology is a significant feature of Formula 1. It improves engine performance and efficiency. ERS harnesses energy typically lost during braking and heat dissipation, storing it for later use. The system allows drivers to use additional power provided by a kinetic-energy recovery system (KERS) or a heat-energy recovery system.

Can you elaborate on the braking systems used in Formula 1 cars?

The braking systems in Formula 1 cars are highly advanced, consisting of carbon fiber brake discs and pads, coupled with sophisticated hydraulic systems for optimal stopping power. These components can resist high temperatures, and they provide responsive brakes. Brake-by-wire systems at the rear allow for fine-tuned electronic control of the brake force distribution, helping to stabilize the car during deceleration and aiding in the regeneration of energy back into the power unit.

Statistics

Formula 1's research into sustainable fuel aims to create a 100% sustainable fuel for use in F1 engines by the mid-2020s.
Modern Formula 1 car chassis are required to withstand a frontal crash test with a peak deceleration of no more than 25 g.
A typical Formula 1 car's brake discs can reach temperatures of over 1,000 degrees Celsius during heavy braking.
Formula 1 cars can achieve lateral acceleration in excess of 5 g during cornering, which is about five times the force of gravity.
A Formula 1 steering wheel is one of the most complex components of the car, costing up to $50,000 to produce.
The halo device introduced into Formula 1 in 2018 is designed to withstand the equivalent weight of a London double-decker bus.
The energy recovery system (ERS) in modern Formula 1 cars can provide up to 161 horsepower of additional power for approximately 33 seconds per lap.
Wind tunnel testing for Formula 1 cars is limited by regulations, with teams only allowed a maximum of 40 hours of running per eight-day aerodynamic testing period.

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How To

How to monitor F1 Wind Tunnel Testing Innovations

To monitor F1 wind tunnel testing innovations, keep up with the restrictions placed on wind tunnel use by regulations and how teams circumvent these limitations through computational simulations. Investigate the latest technological advancements in scale modeling, flow visualization, and real-time data analysis. You can gain valuable insights about F1 wind tunnel innovations by reading articles specializing in motorsport technology and attending technical conferences.