Michael Dunlop: Brand issue still unresolved / Tourist Trophies

Every road racer dreams of winning a race in the Touring Cup, especially on a superbike. In recent years the premium class has been dominated by three drivers. Peter Hickman, Michael Dunlop and Dean Harrison make all the other pilots look like extras in their epic three-way fight. It will probably be no different this year either.

But while Brits Hickman (BMW M1000RR) and Harrison (Honda CBR1000RR-R) have long known which bikes they will be competing with this year, the guesswork at Dunlop continues. Despite starting training on the Isle of Man in less than 50 days, the Northern Irishman is still looking for the perfect package.

“We are working hard to create something capable of winning,” confirmed the 25-time TT winner recently at the “TT Launch Show”. “At this time of year it’s very difficult to close a deal because there’s not as much money as there used to be and there’s not a lot of support from the motorcycle industry. But we’re leaving no stone unturned.”

In 2022, Dunlop’s ambitions were saved by Hawk Racing after plans to ride a Ducati Panigale fell through just weeks before the event. Late changes and a lack of test rides reduced his chances of another victory, but third place in the first Superbike race could be considered a success.

Last year, a group of nerds from Ballymoney also rode a motorcycle owned by Stuart and Steve Hicken. Dunlop once competed with the Honda CBR1000RR-R. In the Superbike race, Hickman and Harrison were left behind, and in the final Senior TT he took third place behind Hickman and Harrison.

It is highly unlikely that the combination of Dunlop and Hawk Racing could happen again this year due to their promising partnership.