Road racer William Dunlop has died

It’s with great sadness we’ve learned that William Dunlop has passed away. The 32-year-old was taking part in practice for the Skerries 100 road race event in Ireland, succumbing to his injuries after crashing partway round the course on Saturday evening.

Loughshinny Motorcycle Supporters Club confirmed the news in a statement. “We deeply regret to announce that competitor William Dunlop, of Ballymoney, Co. Antrim has passed away following injuries received in a tragic accident that occurred during practice which took place today, 7th July 2018.”

You don’t need a deep knowledge of motorcycle racing to know the Dunlop family. Joey Dunlop remains the most successful man around the Isle of Man TT course, with 26 victories.

His brother Robert was also a successful road racer, and Robert’s two sons – William and Michael – have carried on the mantle. Michael, on 18 TT wins, is chasing Uncle Joey’s all-time record, while William has five TT podiums to his name. He’s won 15 races at the Skerries circuit.

The Dunlop family also knows tragedy all too well. Joey was killed in an Estonian bike race, mere weeks after that 26th TT victory in 2000, while Robert died in practice for the North West 200 race in Northern Ireland in 2008. It’s a family very much in our thoughts right now. RIP, William.