By Prior to TT 2009, one of the most exciting announcements, was that Norton would be returning in an official capacity running Michael Dunlop.
Unfortunately the star studied combination, endured an ultra tricky practice week, completing no laps, following multiple problems on the NRV588 rotary Norton.
The situation was a lot different in terms of the supersport class, piloting Street Sweep backed R6 Yamaha, Michael dominated practice week, as he carried on his excellent 600 form from the Tandragee 100 and North West 200.
All eyes where on him, going into the opening supersport race, bad luck though intervened on the opening lap as reliability issues struck, forcing him out of contention.
Add in further misfortune in the superbike and superstock races, where he was now R1 Yamaha mounted, something special needed to happen to make TT 2009, a memorable one.
Second supersport race saw damp conditions reported around the Mountain Course, setting off at number 11 Michael got the hammer down on lap 1, establishing a strong early advantage.
From here he controlled the four lap race, to record a quite magnificent first TT victory, holding off strong challenges from Bruce Anstey, Conor Cummins and Steve Plater.
The fans, marshals, his fellow competitors where delighted to see him seal his maiden success, at the most famous road race in the world.
Been a winner at just 20 years of age, was proof as well, that many more TT victories, where on the horizon in the future.
Photo by Tony Goldsmith
Although he was a non finisher in the blue riband senior TT, TT 2009 was still a hugely memorable one for Michael Dunlop.
He had proved to everyone, that he could mix it with the best and ultimately beat them.
Next instalment of Michael Dunlop the first ten TT years, focuses around TT 2010, where he would be involved in one of the all time great supersport races, at the Isle of Man TT.
Words by Stevie Rial
