Joey Dunlop, 1952-2000
The Motorcycle racer, Joey Dunlop, has died during a race in Estonia. He slid off the track during today's 125CC in the Estonian capital Talinn. He was 48 years old. The track in Talinn was quite wet from rainfall when Joey Dunlop slid off. His death has shocked the racing community. From Ballymoney in County Antrim, Joey Dunlop was one of the most loved of local contemporary sports personalities. He was an endearing figure to thousands due in many ways to his unassuming nature.
Mr Dunlop was the awe of many racers half his age, not least for his continued dominance in the sport. Just last month, during the Isle of Man TT he won three of the races on offer including the prestigious Formula One race. He had won 26 Isle of Man TT's during his career and, in the 1980s, won the Formula 1 World Championships on five occasions.
As a child, Joey Dunlop always wanted to join the army, but that changed when he turned 16 and bought his first bike. Later that year, he purchased his first race bike and the Antrim man's passion for motor racing had begun. The bug also passed on to his younger brother, Robert. In recent years, Joey Dunlop was regularly asked about retirement plans, but none were forthcoming. He is survived by his wife, Linda, and five children.
