Michael Dunlop defies death to become Isle of Man TT record holder with 31 wins

From Dunlop to Dunlop: Michael overcomes the family curse and breaks records at the Isle of Man TT. In the world of street racing, few sagas are as exciting and tragic as that of the Dunlop family. But at the epicenter of this story of mourning and glory, one name shines through with unparalleled intensity: Michael Dunlop. Last year, he had already surpassed the 26 wins from his legendary uncle, Joey Dunlop, a record that stood for 24 years. Now, in 2025, Michael has cemented his legacy by reaching the impressive milestone of 31 wins in the Isle of Man Tourist Trophy (TT), the most dangerous race in the world.

Joey Dunlop's legacy and the initial tragedy

The year 2000 marked the last victory for iconic Northern Irish driver Joey Dunlop at the Isle of Man TT. In the Ultralight 125 TT class, Joey won his 26th win on this 60-kilometer course that winds through the island's roads and towns. A month later, however, the world of motorcycling would be shaken: Joey died when he crashed into a tree in another street race, in Tallinn, Estonia, after his bike skidded on the wet asphalt. The disappearance of this myth touched everyone, but the Dunlop saga would unfortunately not end there. His brother Robert and his sons, William and Michael, would continue to challenge the dangers of street racing.

More painful losses

Misfortune persisted in the Dunlop family. In 2008, while competing in the North West 200 (another challenging road race in Ireland), Robert Dunlop suffered a fatal accident. His sons, William and Michael, who were also in the competition, stopped their bikes just to witness the tragic loss of their father. Despite his grief, Michael Dunlop raced and won the Supersport race the following day, before going to his father's funeral.

Brothers William and Michael continued to compete, with Michael soon making a name for himself. Victories in the North West 200, the Ulster GP and especially the Tourist Trophy gradually put him on the path to surpassing John McGuinness's 23 wins and his uncle Joey's 26.. But fate cruelly struck the family again. In 2018, William Dunlop lost his life while taking part in the Skerries 100, a race near Dublin. It was the third tragic death in the family of riders.

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Michael Dunlop on his way to immortality

Contrary to all expectations, the third death in the family was not enough to shake Michael's determination. The youngest Dunlop refused to hang up his helmet. With an unbreakable will, he continued to compete in road races, devoting special attention to the most famous of the challenges: the Tourist Trophy, where year after year he narrowed the gap to the 26 trophies won by his uncle Joey.

At the 2024 TT, Michael achieved his 26th victoryequaling his mythical relative. And he didn't stop there: by the end of the event, he had already totaled no less than 29 titles.

At the age of 36, and despite all the adversity and losses he has experienced, Michael Dunlop seems far from wanting to give up street racing. In the 2025 TT, he has already demonstrated his overwhelming form, winning second place in the Superbike and, more importantly, the first place in Supersport on board a Ducati Panigale V2. And as if that wasn't enough, last Tuesday he also won the Supertwin category, riding a Paton.