Video: Michael Dunlop on becoming the most successful TT racer

There’s a huge mystique that surrounds the Isle of Man TT. The inherent danger of road racing is heightened by the island’s storied past, making it the most famous road race in the world. It’s an event that many know of but few fully understand. What is universally understood, though, is that a win there demands a mix of skill, bravery and luck. To do so 29 times requires all those elements – and more – in spades.

At the 2024 Goodwood Festival of Speed presented by Mastercard, we celebrated Dunlop’s heady achievement of becoming the TT’s most successful rider with a Balcony moment on Saturday. He spoke of the special way the Isle of Man is regarded. “People think it’s mad, but when you’re brought up and raised in it, it’s the Olympics of the sport. I’ve won all over the world and nobody cares but when you win at the TT it’s something different.”

He has spent 12 years pursuing his goal of beating the TT record but emphasises that he wasn’t trying to prove he’s a better rider than his uncle. “Records are there to be broken,” he said. “Even being named alongside Joey is an honour. It’s a proud day for the family.” As well as his uncle, Michael’s late father, Robert and his late brother, William, were also road racers.

Of all the forms of high-level motorsport, road racing is arguably the most grounded. Like his uncle, Dunlop doesn’t crave the spotlight; his fame is simply a by-product of being at the pinnacle of the sport he loves. His genuine, humble response to the VIP treatment he’s receiving during his first-ever visit to the Goodwood Festival of Speed is apparent throughout the video that captures his time in front of the assembled crowds at the Balcony.

Photography by Jordan Butters and Jochen Van Cauwenberge. 

The 2024 Goodwood Festival of Speed is underway, and you can watch every moment of the action on our live stream right here on GRR!