RIP Robert Dunlop

[lemonjon]

Dunlop dies after motorbike crash

Dunlop survived a major accident on the Isle of Man TT in 1994 Motorcyclist Robert Dunlop has died after suffering severe chest injuries in a crash in Thursday's practice session at the North West 200. Another Northern Ireland rider, Darren Burns, suffered a suspected broken leg and concussion in the accident, but is said to be stable in hospital. The accident happened in the 250cc qualifying session, near Portrush in County Antrim. Dunlop's brother Joey was killed in a racing accident in Estonia in 2000. The riders were travelling at speeds of about 160mph when the accident happened as they approached the Mathers Cross section of the course. Dunlop's bike appeared to seize and he went over the handlebars. He was rushed to the Causeway Hospital in nearby Coleraine, where he died from his injuries shortly after 2200 BST. Burns was following behind and was unable to avoid hitting the Ballymoney rider. Dunlop had sustained serious injuries in a crash at the Isle of Man TT in 1994, but he recovered and returned to action soon after. 'Nowhere to go' Another Northern Ireland rider, Denver Robb, was behind both motorcyclists when the accident happened. "Coming up to Mathers (Cross), Burns was leading and I was second, just sitting in his slipstream," he said. "Then Robert - it was one of the Dunlops - came past me and as soon as he did he just shot off into Mathers and the bike seized. There was a puff of smoke and the bike locked up, she went sideways, and I think Robert must have grabbed the front brake. "He went out over the top of the bike and landed on the road. Then Burnsy had nowhere to go and he clipped him and he went straight on." Mervyn Whyte, clerk of course, said he was devastated by the death. Robert was one of NI's best known and most experienced riders "Our thoughts and prayers are with Robert's family and we extend our deepest sympathies to his wife Louise, children William, Daniel and Michael and wider family circle," he said. "The MCUI (UC) - Motor Cycling Union of Ireland and PSNI are in the process of fully investigating the incident which happened during the 125, 250, 400 practice session on the first lap. "The other rider involved in the incident is in a stable condition in hospital. "Robert was one of Northern Ireland's best known and most experienced riders who will always been remembered for his infectious personality and love for road racing."

Shocked when i saw this on Sky news.

Another sad sad blow to the Dunlop family

had a lucky escape at TT a few years back.

Holy fcuk, totally shocked

A true gentleman and TT legend.

RIP and thoughts to the family.

[ScottishBhoy87]

Not really into motorcycling but horrible news none the less and always a tradgedy to lose somone in a sporting event.

R.I.P Robert

[Darren]

Terrible news. Like his brother Joey he lived for racing. Thoughts are with the family as they endure another loss. RIP Robert.

[Darren]

Obviously its the main news over here in NI, everyones shocked by it, talking about it etc.

Always thought the only way Robert and Joey would stop racing was when they were killed. So sadly true for both men now.

Every year rpad racing seems to claim the life of one of its greats. Wasn't even a fortnight ago Martin Finnegan was killed racing, and now Robert Dunlop has gone as well. Road racing is just too dangerous, there is nothing that can make the sport safe.

[Carl]

Originally Posted by Darren

Terrible news. Like his brother Joey he lived for racing. Thoughts are with the family as they endure another loss. RIP Robert.

Both absolute maniacs on a bike ( I mean in a good sense, fooking balls the size of basketballs), such a terrible loss of life, as you say they gave 110% for racing.

Very sad


RIP

[lemonjon]

I read on the bbc from a guy who saw the crash, he said it looked bad, but also roberts son ( i think) was in the same practice and when he saw the crash he just stoppped threw his bike down and ran over, tears running down his face.

that must the worst feeling in the world

died doing what he loved, the thing is we all know road racing is dangerous but look how many racers turn up for all the meetings, they know the risks but they all live racing and road racing in particular.

this accident wasn;t cause by the course it was a bike failure, if it had happened on a circuit the result would be the same, he went over the handlebars at 160 mph

[Darren]

I'm still a bit stunned by it all. Its been a long while since I have followed the road racing like, but Roberts death has shaken me up, been on my mind all day.

Never been on anything more than a dopey scooter thing as a rider, but grew up with road racing as my dads sport of choice. He was (and still is to an extent) well into the bikes and every Saturday he used to set off to go and watch the races. Isle of Man TT he'd either be there or glued to the radio listening to it.

Joey Dunlop is an absolute legend, what he did in his sport and outside of it will never be beaten. He is NI biggest legend imo, ahead of George Best. Heard on the news today Robert was busy visiting terminally ill children earlier in the week. Thats what the Dunlops always did, never got above themselves and always did charity work quietly. They always had the time, they always made the time. Now just Jim remains.
Joey may have been the best the sport has ever had, but Robert was a star in the sport as well. Without road racing I wouldn't even exist, its the Isle of Man TT that my folks met (dad from Norn Iron, Mum Welsh). Spoke to my old man a short while ago and he's pretty down about it all, stunned by it all. He saw him ride his first race and win his first race.

That road race in heaven is gettin pretty crowded by now, Joey Dunlop is leading it from Robert Dunlop, David Jeffries is pushing it on in 3rd, Mervyn Robinson and Frank Kennedy are on their tales though...what a race that would be. So many greats are now gone.

I'd give anything to see the Armoy Armada in its prime with young Robert in there too.

[Darren]

Originally Posted by lemonjon

I read on the bbc from a guy who saw the crash, he said it looked bad, but also roberts son ( i think) was in the same practice and when he saw the crash he just stoppped threw his bike down and ran over, tears running down his face.

that must the worst feeling in the world

died doing what he loved, the thing is we all know road racing is dangerous but look how many racers turn up for all the meetings, they know the risks but they all live racing and road racing in particular.

this accident wasn;t cause by the course it was a bike failure, if it had happened on a circuit the result would be the same, he went over the handlebars at 160 mph

He died doing what he loved. It was the only way he would leave the saddle really wasn't it, either death or an injury that stopped him riding. He did retire for a while but he just loved the sport too much to stay away.

He has 2 sons that race, his other played it safe and is military based in Afghanistan. I think Joeys son also races. Its in the blood, the 3 brothers raced and its just followed on from that.