Dunlop, Joey (1952–2000)

Northern Irish motorcyclist. Born in Ballymoney, Londonderry, he made his name as an outstanding competitor at the Isle of Man Tourist Trophy (TT) races, winning an unprecedented 26 races between 1977 and 2000, including four in the prestigious Senior TT. He won the Formula 1 TT six times in succession (1983–88), and the overall Formula 1 World Championship five times in succession (1982–86). In 1988, he established a new TT lap record of 118.54 mph/190.73 kmph.

Joey Dunlop's tally of TT wins exceeded even the all-time record of the champion British rider Mike Hailwood. Dunlop won the Senior Tourist Trophy in 1985 and 1987–88, the Formula 1 TT for the sixth successive season in 1988, and was Formula 1 World champion 1982–86. In 1988, he established a new TT lap record of 118.54 mph/190.73 kph. He was appointed MBE in 1985 and OBE in 1995. He was killed in a motorcycle race in Estonia in 2000, just a month after winning three more TT victories at the age of 48.