The chance to gain ten successive ‘Race of Legends’ victories will not arise this week for Michael Dunlop, following the announcement that he has withdrawn from the latest Armoy Road Races.
Whilst the overall Armoy entry remains top quality, the absence of 21 times TT winner Dunlop is unquestionably a significant blow to event Organisers.
A statement issued via his MD Racing Facebook page, states in brutally honest fashion, the reasons behind his Armoy non-participation.
“All of the MD Racing machines were prepped and ready to take part in Armoy road races this weekend when the team was informed that it was not being treated on an equal and fair basis with some of the other teams taking part in the event.
As a result, we have decided to withdraw from the meeting. This decision has been taken reluctantly after so many years of enjoyable and successful racing at Armoy, my home race.
We can’t explain our level of disappointment with the situation with the club after 10 plus years of commitment to the event.”
The Armoy Motorcycle Road Racing Club, issued the following statement in reply to this morning’s major news.
“The Club is very disappointed that Michael Dunlop and MD Racing will not be attending the Armoy Road Races, particularly when this is his home race. The Club treats all riders fairly and equally, always has done and are saddened that anyone would think otherwise.
Riders enter races and withdraw for various reasons which is always disappointing. There will be no further comment on this matter.
Today we have a quality field of entrants, and the races goes ahead with roads closed, as scheduled, at 11am. We wish all competitors a safe and enjoyable weekend with us in Armoy.”
Quotes via MD Racing Facebook, AMRRC Facebook pages
Photo credit: Rod Neill
Words by Stevie Rial #dontletfearcontrolyou