By Since returning from TT 2017, I couldn’t help but think Michael Dunlop deserves more credit, for what he achieved at the 98th TT Races.
I state this view, cause when you read some of the comments online, it makes you think from the outside looking in, that this was just a lucky win, with everything just about falling into place, for a 15th TT victory.
The reality is, that the Mountain Course lap record holder and the Bennetts Suzuki team, have worked extremely hard to make the new GSX-R 1000 competitive enough, to challenge for international roads success.
Prior to the red flag within the Pokerstars Senior race, Michael was roughly ten seconds behind pace setter Peter Hickman.
The following stoppage, prior to the re start, allowed his team, to make much needed changes, to the set up of his Superbike.
Some will say, this was luck, been able to do this; my view is that every team/rider was in the same boat been able to make changes, essentially the re start, is a whole new race, over though a shorter distance of four laps.
Storming to a third Senior TT title, you could sense the relief within the Hawk Racing team, same applied to Suzuki UK and Suzuki worldwide.
With this in mind, I’d also like to state, that Hawk Racing and Suzuki also deserve a lot more credit, for what they have achieved with a brand new bike.
Nicknamed “Maverick” Michael Dunlop can perhaps at times ruffle many a feather, the reality is though, that in all the TT press conferences I’ve witnessed with him in, he’s just plain and simply, brutally honest.
His sheer no holds barred honesty, is epitomised within his Autobiography.
One cannot deny his undoubted talent on the roads, showcased by now holding the unique record of winning TT’s with five different manufacturers, Honda, Yamaha, Kawasaki, BMW and Suzuki.
At the same time there are those, who say he’s to outspoken, he’s to controversial, he’s to blunt, does Michael though really give a second thought, to what these people think?
In my opinion no, his unique approach to racing, has already yielded staggering feats a plenty.
Expect many more in the near future, from a rider who consistently proves, the impossible is possible.
Words by Stevie Rial
