Five-times TT Formula One world champion, Joey Dunlop, has died following a crash while taking part in a road race meeting in Tallinn today. Ballymoney-born Dunlop, 48, was racing on a 6.2-mile circuit on public roads in the Estonian capital when the accident occurred. Honda racing manager Roger Harvey confirmed that Dunlop, who leaves a wifeLinda and five children - Julie, Donna, Gary, Richard and Joanne - had been killed during the race.
Dunlop, who was awarded the MBE for his motorcyling exploits and the OBE for charity works, started racing in 1969 and won 26 Isle of Man TT races, the first coming in 1977. He won three races at this year's Isle of Man TT and was rumoured to be contemplating retiring from competing in the festival.
Dunlop was racing at a non-championship international meeting which began yesterday, when he had won the 600cc supersport race. Today he had won the 750cc superbike race and was racing in the 125cc event - leading on the second lap - when he crashed. He is believed to have died instantly.
