Isle of Man TT history-maker Michael Dunlop says winning races at the famous international public road racing motorcycle event is “like winning gold medals at the Olympics for me”.
Dunlop became the most successful TT rider of all time with success in the Supertwins race on Wednesday, surpassing the tally achieved by his late uncle Joey by taking his 27th victory.
“It’s the highest point of the sport. For me to be at the top of my game and winning races on small bikes, medium bikes, big bikes, you want to win here. That’s what it’s all about,” the 35-year-old told BBC Sport NI.
“Road racing maybe doesn’t get the recognition of other sports but for me, it’s like winning MotoGP, it’s where I want to be.”
Joey Dunlop was a legendary figure in motorcycle sport, the object of acclaim and affection by thousands of followers across the globe.
Michael was quick to pay tribute to his uncle in the aftermath of his landmark success and says it is “incredible” to be classified in the same league.
“Obviously Joey’s heritage has gone on for years upon years and no matter where you go in the world, even people don’t know much about motorbiking, they know about and want to talk about Joey,” he said.
“If I get halfway round the world, for people to know who I was that’s fantastic.
“It’s an honour to keep the Dunlop name at the top and to be the best I can for the whole family.”
