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‘Racing Royalty’ is the title of a poignant new song, soon to be released on major streaming platforms (this Wednesday April 10th).
This touching ballad draws its inspiration from a fleeting yet impactful conversation that Elizabeth (Liz) Rivers had with the legendary Michael Dunlop, a 29-time Isle of Man TT winner, following the 2022 Senior IOM TT race.
Liz, who has battled lifelong depression and anxiety, found it hard to fathom how a few simple words from the King of the Isle of Man TT could ignite a profound transformation in her life, but she is living proof that it did.
Born and raised on the Wirral in Merseyside, Liz and her family relocated to the picturesque Isle of Man when she was 16 years old. From a young age, she faced the dual challenges of anxiety and bullying at school, creating a heavy burden she felt compelled to bear alone.
Despite the love and support of her family, Liz often chose to keep her struggles hidden, believing she didn’t want to add to her parents’ worries. This internalized sense of burden contributed to a slow and painful erosion of her self-esteem, leading her to become increasingly introverted and isolated.
She often found herself lost in daydreams, wishing for a life filled with friendship, acceptance, and popularity—dreams that felt perpetually out of reach. As the COVID-19 pandemic emerged in 2020, Liz’s mental health took a nosedive.
The prolonged isolation and uncertainty that came with lockdowns exacerbated her anxiety and led to significant weight gain, which further depleted her confidence. Liz found herself feeling ashamed of her size and overwhelmed by stress at work, where she managed a sizable team in the demanding world of financial services.
As her 50th birthday approached in 2022, she grappled with profound feelings of inadequacy, worrying that she’d accomplished little in her life and would fade into obscurity as she grew older.
In a dark moment, this overwhelming despair led her to contemplate taking her own life before reaching her milestone birthday. However, 2022 marked the long-awaited return of the Isle of Man TT races, an event that had always poured joy into Liz’s life.
After the exhilarating Senior TT race, Liz, her husband Andy, together with their beloved Jack Russell terrier, Fonzi, decided to unwind at the Trackside Beer Tent, savouring the atmosphere. Nearby, Michael Dunlop was enjoying well-deserved refreshments with his team after a gruelling but successful fortnight of racing.
It was Andy’s idea to ask Michael for a photograph with Fonzi, though Liz was hesitant to interrupt the racing star. Eventually, she mustered the courage to approach Michael and made the request.
Michael graciously agreed, and after capturing the moment, he turned to Liz and kindly asked, “Are you feeling alright pet?” Overcome with nerves, Liz struggled to respond but Michael’s enquiry resonated deeply.
Later that evening, reflecting on the encounter, Liz contemplated, thinking “Michael Dunlop is such a fantastic person, but he didn’t ignore or laugh at me; he was nice to me.” This simple yet powerful interaction became a pivotal moment for Liz, igniting a flicker of optimism that had been obscured by years of darkness.
It prompted her to contemplate a new narrative for her life: “Maybe my life isn’t over; maybe I still have something to give.” Inspired by this newfound perspective, Liz dedicated herself to changing her life.
She worked diligently to lose over six stone in weight, integrating regular gym sessions and healthier habits into her daily routine. With each passing day, she rediscovered a sense of purpose. As-a-way to give back to the sport that had brought her so much joy, Liz began volunteering as a marshal at the TT races.
Additionally, she reignited her passion for writing and singing—creative pursuits she had all but abandoned since her teenage years due to her mental health struggles. With immense gratitude, Liz feels compelled to thank Michael for his pivotal role in rekindling her spirit through his one small act of kindness.
Although she has had several opportunities to express her appreciation to Michael in person since that day, nervousness holds her back. Instead, therefore, in-an attempt to honour both him and his family, she wrote a heartfelt song dedicated to their courage through adversity, which has been a source of strength for her own battles.
Together with Plunkett McComb and Pat McManus, Liz penned the lyrics and crafted the melody of the ballad, paying homage to the legacy of road racing families, but most especially the Dunlops.
The song embodies themes of passion, heroism, and the triumphs of racing, weaving together the exhilarating essence of the sport with the personal journey of resilience. It was recorded on January 27, 2025, in Plunkett McComb’s studio in Dungannon, Co. Tyrone, Northern Ireland, capturing the raw emotion behind Liz’s story.
Should the song Racing Royalty generate any profits, Liz intends to donate them equally to Air Ambulance Northern Ireland and The Rob Vine Fund, as a small gesture of gratitude for the sport that changed her life for the better.
This narrative, while potentially uncomfortable for some, holds profound significance for those who grapple with mental health challenges. It serves as a reminder that small acts of compassion can create ripples of hope and change in the lives of those who need it most.
Amongst the platforms, that ‘Racing Royalty’ will be streamed include Apple Music (I Tunes) Amazon Music, Spotify, YouTube Music, TikTok & Deezer.
Photo courtesy of Baylon McCaughey
Words by Baylon McCaughey
