Robert Dunlop dead

[slowpoke]

Joey Dunlop's brother Robert was killed in practise for the NW200 overnight. A great rider in his own right he'll be sadly missed. More here:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/motorsport/motorbikes/7403931.stm

[onearmedbandit]

Wow, that seriously sucks. RIP.

[Crasherfromwayback]

Yeah bad buzz. The longer you race for though, the more the odds get stacked against you of getting seriously hurt or worse.

[GSVR]

Not good news.

Another top TT rider Martin Finnigan died in the last fortnight as well.
http://www.iomtt.com/News/2008/05/06/Tributes-paid-to-TT-star.aspx

Suppose everyones going hard out in the buildup to the start the TT in a few days.

Heres some pics of Robert Dunlop and his TT record.
http://www.iomtt.com/TT-Database/competitors.aspx?ride_id=3699&filter=D

[Ivan]

Wow thats really sad to read he was a great racer as well.
R.I.P

[et al]

Sorry to hear that. He had survived some bad ones - that was him I think who had a really bad accident at the IOM many years ago when the rear wheel collapsed - was an early carbon fibre job.

[Mort]

That is Tragic news - I feel sorry for his family to have to endure this again.

[sugilite]

Yeah bad buzz. The longer you race for though, the more the odds get stacked against you of getting seriously hurt or worse.

Especially road circuits

[SPman]

Tragic news - and Martin Finnegan as well! :(

They are hard men, they who take on these races - the pinnacle of the sport, in my opinion, and worthy of the utmost respect! - (or just barking mad, depending on your point of view......)

It can be a cruel sport at times........

[MVnut]

R.I.P. Robert

[Sparky Bills]

Not nice to hear.

RIP to 2 fellow road racers.......

[Bikernereid]

Such a shame but at least those guys really lived and spent much of their time doing what they loved.

[Marknz]

RIP Robert... two of the best gone from the same family now.

Shaun, you got any good/funny stories to tell us about Joey and Robert that mighten lighten the moment?

[FruitLooPs]

rest in peace Robert & Martin both amazing riders! :argh:

Street circuits are as dangerous as they come, amazing to watch but it takes a certain kind of person to partake! :sweatdrop

[Pussy]

Sad news... another great gone :(

[MyGSXF]

RIP Robert.. :bye:

[Manxman]

Feels like a kick to the stomach every time news like this arrives.

I remember watching from Creg Ny Baa with my old man in 1994, as the helicopter (which turned out to be carrying him after his "Marvic" moment at Ballaugh (ie the rear wheel collapsing)) passed over, then looking up the road to see Joey flying past. I think he pulled out of the race when he got back to the pits and heard the news.

After that, Robert used to ride with his left arm tucked down his side to alleviate the ongoing pain on long straights, and had all sorts of workarounds on his bike just to even ride it...bloomin hard case.

Absolutely stink news :(

[sparky10]

RIP Robert and Marty
Its been a bad for us with 2 more losses to (real) road racing
Robert was on a 250cc for the first time since IOM 94, seems bike siezed while flat out passing 2 other riders during practice.
I know all those involved well, turns my stomach every time i hear of another, but miss being there at the road racing too.

[Shaun]

RIP Robert You have and will stay a legend for many and an inspiration :apint: My thoughts go out to your Family and friends mate

[roadracingoldfart]

Its never good to hear such news about a man thats held in such high esteem by so many.
R.I.P. and wishes to the family.

Paul

[Iggy]

A true legend, will be sadly missed RIP:bye:

[CM2005]

thats a massive shame.. just been reading Joey dunlops biography, and theose two both feature in it. Robert had alot of talent, as did finnegan.

[jellywrestler]

Sorry to hear that. He had survived some bad ones - that was him I think who had a really bad accident at the IOM many years ago when the rear wheel collapsed - was an early carbon fibre job.


wasn't a carbon fibre wheel at all it was made of metal....

[WilDun]

Thank you both for the exciting performances for so many years, - you were both great ambassadors for your country in your different ways and you'll never be forgotten.
Condolances to the families.

[surfchick]

I can't believe it - for their family- their mother's lost a second son. I was so moved and in a way proud of Michael honoring Robert's memory with the 250cc win.