Tributes to motorbike racer William Dunlop

Motorsport fans have been paying tribute to Northern Irish biker William Dunlop, who was killed in a crash in County Dublin on Saturday.

The Ballymoney rider, who was just 32, was a member of the renowned Dunlop motor racing family and had been taking part in an open practice session at the Skerries 100 road races when the tragic incident happened.

William’s father Robert died as a result of an accident at the North West 200 back in 2008, while his famous uncle Joey was killed in a crash in Estonia in 2000.

The latter holds the record for the most Isle of Man TT wins with 26, while William’s brother Michael has also chalked up 18 wins at the event.

William was also a regular competitor at the Isle of Man TT but decided against racing this year to be with his pregnant partner Janine Brolly.

The couple had been looking forward to the arrival of their second child.

William began racing in 2000 and accumulated 108 Irish National Road Race wins during a distinguished career, including 15 at the Skerries circuit which ultimately claimed his life.

The elder of Robert Dunlop’s sons rode for many of the leading road racing teams, including Hector and Philip Neill’s Tyco-backed TAS Racing team, Shaun Muir’s Milwaukee Yamaha outfit, Wilson Craig Racing and most recently Tim Martin’s Temple Golf Club Yamaha team.

William’s death has shocked the biking community, and there was a minute’s silence in his honour at Knockhill ahead of the Superbikes meeting at the Fife circuit.

British Superbike rider Glenn Irwin was friends with Dunlop and competed against the 32-year-old at the North West and Ulster Grand Prix.

“William had a lot of talent on a motorbike – as much natural ability as anyone and he was always good craic with a dry sense of humour,” he said.

“I’m not sure if he ever realised how good he was or how good he could become but he was always happy being William. He was so, so humble and my thoughts are with his mum Louise, partner Janine and the family.

“He was very much a family man and I know he adored his daughter Ella. The whole thing is heartbreaking.

“I look up to all the road racing guys and it was an honour to share a track with him.”

Northern Irish biker William Dunlop.