Gavin Foster MOTORCYCLING
Five-time world motorcycle champion Joey Dunlop was killed during an international race at Tallinn in Estonia last week. The 48-year-old Dunlop died instantly when he slid off the rain-drenched track and hit a tree while leading during the second lap of the 125cc race on his works Honda.
Dunlop was untouchable on road circuits, and scored an astonishing 26 victories in the Isle of Man Tourist Trophy (TT) during his 31-year racing career. Just weeks ago he proved that he was still the best ever on the notoriously dangerous 60km circuit by winning the TT’s Formula One, 250cc and 125cc races. The day before his death he won the 600cc race on the road circuit in the Estonian capital, and on the morning of the fatal accident he took the flag in the superbike race.
Dunlop, who ran a small family pub in Ballymoney, Ireland, was awarded the MBE for his racing skills and an OBE for his charity work. After his final victory on the Isle of Man in June the quiet Irishman announced that he had raced in the TT for the last time.
He is survived by his wife, Linda, and five children.