by WeChat official account "ObervingfromIoM" 2024-10 
When I first passed by the Dunlop Foundation Centre near Union Mills on the Isle of Man, those unfamiliar with the TT races might naturally assume it was connected to Dunlop tires. After all, it seems logical for a tire company to establish roots in the TT racing hub. However, this Dunlop is not about tires—it was established to honor the legendary Joey Dunlop and the racing legacy his family continues to uphold.
The 2024 TT races witnessed a historic moment. Michael Dunlop, riding his MD Racing Yamaha R6, claimed his 28th TT victory, breaking the record of 27 wins held by his uncle Joey Dunlop. During the race, Michael encountered a helmet malfunction and was forced to stop for repairs. Yet, his incredible mental resilience shone through as he fought back to secure a fourth-place finish. This unyielding spirit is the essence of the TT.
Joey Dunlop, known as the "King of the Mountain," became a legend with 27 victories over his 23-year career, beginning with his first TT race in 1977. Beyond his racing achievements, Joey was also known for his humanitarian efforts, often driving supplies to orphanages in Eastern Europe. In July 2000, this racing icon tragically left the track forever during a race in Estonia.
Robert Dunlop, Joey's brother, inherited the same racing talent, winning 15 trophies in various road races. He passed this passion onto his two sons, William and Michael. In 2008, Robert tragically passed away during a practice session for the North West 200. Remarkably, just two days later, Michael, then only 19 years old, and his brother William both competed in the race, with Michael securing his first North West 200 victory. A decade later, in 2018, William also said his final goodbye to the track during the Skerries 100.
Despite the weight of his family’s legacy, Michael didn’t shy away from the sport. Instead, he grew stronger on the track. When asked about his family’s history, he always says: "Racing is our life. It’s not just a sport; it’s a tradition, a faith."
While reading a book my friend Peter shared, titled TT Memorial, I was deeply moved by the story of another legendary rider—Steve Hislop. After losing his brother Garry in a racing accident in 1982, Steve fell into a deep depression. However, he eventually rose from this dark period, going on to win 11 TT races and two British Superbike Championships. Hislop’s legendary 1992 TT victory, riding a Norton and defeating the dominant Carl Fogarty, is often referred to as the "Race of the Century."
At the Victory Café near the summit of Snaefell Mountain, the statue of Joey Dunlop is always surrounded by tributes from fans worldwide. Every bend along the 37.73-mile course of the Isle of Man TT tells the legendary stories of these racing heroes.
What drives these racers to relentlessly pursue the extreme? Michael once offered an answer: "When you’re flying down Bray Hill, feeling the engine roar and experiencing that perfect union with the machine, that’s when you understand the meaning of it all."
The TT is not just a quest for speed; it is an eternal pursuit of perfection. The stories of the Dunlop family and Steve Hislop remind us that the true spirit of racing lies not in wins or losses, but in the relentless pursuit of the extreme and the passion to chase dreams with every ounce of life. This is the very essence of motorsport at its most moving.