By After weeks and weeks of speculation and thousands of guesses from race fans worldwide, Michael Dunlop has at last revealed today his plans for the Superbike encounters at the International road races in 2018.
The 15 times TT winner will join forces with Tyco BMW for the first time, with the TAS Racing run outfit providing the Ballymoney racer with a top spec S1000RR BMW, for the ‘Big Three’ International’s, the North West 200, TT and Ulster Grand Prix.
Additionally back on BMW machinery in Superstock trim, the always fiercely determined Dunlop has a proven track record aboard the German manufacturers fabled S1000RR steed.
At a glance his CV aboard the S1000RR includes four big bike TT victories, multiple Southern 100 race wins, three Armoy ‘Race of Legends’ crowns, plus setting in 2016 a new outright North West 200 lap record.
Most notably though, 2016 also saw him during the Pokerstars Senior race, set a blistering new TT lap record, lapping the Mountain Course at a quite incredible 133.962 mph.
Stats like this are certain to add to the excitement of new employers Tyco BMW, who have linked up with for many, the pure road racing equivalent of footballing great Lionel Messi.
Photo via http://tycobmw.com/
Speaking today about joining forces 27 times international road race winner Dunlop, Tyco BMW, Team Manager, Phillip Neill, stated:
“It has taken some time for this to come together, and I’m very happy to confirm Michael Dunlop and TAS Racing/Tyco BMW will finally work together in 2018.
Michael and I have discussed options to work together on various occasions and I honestly believe this is a partnership, that simply had to happen at some point. Hector and I, together with all the guys at TAS Racing, are excited and looking forward to the challenge.
We would not be in this position without the support of our partners Tyco and BMW Motorrad, and both are extremely happy to reach agreement with Michael for the 2018 season.”
Mountain Course, Triangle lap record holder Dunlop, added:
“Tyco and I have spoken many of times but nothing ever came of it, this year everything fell into place. I think it’s a good time for us both to have go at a partnership, I think both can bring something to the table and I’m looking forward to seeing the outcome.”
Words by Stevie Rial
