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Report from the 2008 North West 200 road races

© Raceline Photography
By blue2bikes
May 18 2008
The North West 200 always brings exciting and exhilarating racing, and is certainly one of the biggest crowd-pulling events in the world today. Michael Rutter took yet another Superbike win, and the hard riding Steve Plater took three wins in one day, but the North West 200 race week was sadly marred by the loss of one of our motorcycle racing legends - Robert Dunlop.

Brother of the late great Joey Dunlop, unfortunately Robert was fatally injured during Thursday night’s practice.  It is believed that the engine on his 250cc machine seized.  This threw him over the handlebars causing fatal chest injuries.  Another rider also injured in the accident was Darren Burns, but fortunately he is recovering in hospital.  Robert will be sadly missed and my thoughts are with his family and friends at this time.

After talks with Robert’s family, it was decided to continue the Saturday race programme as scheduled.  The first race of the day was the Greenline 250cc race, with John McGuinness taking up the pole position, and with Michael Dunlop (son of Robert) in second position and Christian Elkin in third.  True grit and determination were the order of the day, which set the whole day onto a feeling of highs and lows from the crowds and the riders.

Racing at the North West 200 is no mean feat, and to be behind John McGuinness on the start line is an achievement in itself.  Could this young man, enduring the loss of his father on Thursday evening, cause one of the most sensational and emotional wins in history?  As the race unfolded it was becoming more and more apparent that Michael could actually win the race - pure determination and the will of the crowd for Michael to win was of the first order.  The atmosphere was more than electric - it was simply alive with feelings of mixed emotions as the race progressed.

At the end of the first lap of this four-lap race, Christian and Michael had passed John and were fiercely battling for first place, crossing the start-finish line with just one-hundredth of a second separating the two riders.  By the second lap the lead had changed again, with Michael now taking up first position, separated by three-hundredths of a second when they crossed the line.

Lap three continued with a hard chasing Christian once again taking the lead crossing over the start-finish line, just over one-hundredth of a second ahead of Michael.  Lap four and the crowds were ecstatic as Michael once again took the lead, the pit-lane, pits, and crowds all around the circuit were on their feet, mesmerized by What was taking place in front of them.

The television commentators were more than excited at the prospect of Michael taking his first ever win at the North West 200.  Everyone was willing this young man on as he stretched his lead over Christian on this the final lap.  Through the Metropole and on to the fast climb over the Shoreline Road, Michael extended his lead.  Just a short distance now to go and Michael crossed the line over one second ahead of Christian, with John McGuinness taking up third place.

Euphoria filled the whole of the circuit as the crowds realised that Michael had indeed pulled off what was considered to be the ride of his life.  Michael’s father earlier in the week stated that Michael could actually win this race, and to win it under such duress is a testament to this world beating racing family.  Michael certainly is a credit to his family - hopefully he will go on to further his racing career win many more wins.

Robert Dunlop, 1960-2008, may you Rest in Peace.

 

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