William Dunlop’s non-title British Superbike début
Raceline Photography
By blue2bikes
June 30 2005
One of the most recognised names in biking history makes his début on the big Rizla Suzuki GSX-R1000 when the big boys race at Castle Combe during the five week break from the British Superbike series on 31st July
William Dunlop the son of Robert Dunlop, and the nephew of TT legend Joey “Yer Maun” Dunlop, has been given the chance to prove his skill aboard the machine alongside James Haydon, after a recent test at Donington Park - where he impressed the team with his speed and natural talent. He will be riding John Reynolds’ machine.
William is a regular podium finisher in the Irish 125cc championship and, at only 19 years of age, he is heralded as one of the most up and coming riders for the future here in the UK.
© Raceline Photography
Already racing in the Supersport series, William will, I am sure, show how good he really is against the top names in the British Superbike series when he lines up alongside them at Castle Combe - namely Michael Rutter, Tommy Hill, James Haydon, John McGuinness, Jonathan Rea, Karl Harris, and last year’s double winner Sean Emmett - who have already committed themselves to the line up for the Grand National.
William said, “This is a dream come true for me to ride with Rizla Suzuki, the championship winning team who do not give rides to just anybody. When I was invited to test ride it was fantastic, and then when invited to race against some of the best riders in the world I was ecstatic. It isn’t going to be easy as I don’t have much experience of riding a Superbike, and it will take some getting used to, but I am hoping to have another test prior to the race.”
James Haydon said, “I watched William during the test session and he showed a real turn of speed despite his lack of experience. He would go into a corner too fast and miss the apex, but on the following lap he would be pin-sharp, which shows he is thinking safe and talented, and is certainly a star of the future. I am looking forward to racing alongside of him and giving him all the advice I can.”
Current BSB Champion John Reynolds said, “I will do whatever I can to help William advance his career. Rizla Suzuki has kept an eye on William since the late Davy Wood (Joey’s manager) asked us to consider him as a talent of the future. Davy was right on the money and William has a talent which has the capacity to make him a future champion. I will be at Castle Combe backing him all the way. After all he certainly has the genes for racing with the Dunlop name.”
Keep an eye on this young man, as he is every bit as tenacious as his father Robert and his uncle Joey - a very capable young man who rides with the flair and determination that has made the name Dunlop world famous throughout decades of motorcycle racing.
To buy the photograph shown above, visit Raceline Photography