By Miles Downard
The motorcycle time trial that takes place in the Isle of Man is undoubtedly the most dangerous mainstream motorsport event remaining on the calendar of the modern era. In fact it’s borderline insane that it’s still allowed to take place – but such are the wonders of a free world.
For those who don’t know, riders are set loose on public roads – closed off of course for the event – to tear around the small island at breakneck speeds. Literally.
They rip through small villages, across the countryside and along narrow lanes with nothing but the odd bale of hay to cushion the inevitable fall. Accordingly each event is often where at least one rider finds his final place of rest; this year there were two unlucky souls. Our thoughts are with their families.
Then there are the lucky ones who make it through unscathed, filled with adrenaline and just happy to be alive. But there’s another category of person who also takes part; namely the insane. One of whom is a chap by the name of Michael Dunlop. He’s been around the block a couple times but never before quite like this.
That’s because this year he set the lap record on his Hawk Racing BMW Superbike, covering the 61km course in just 16 minutes and 58 seconds. That equates to an average speed of 216km/h. Remarkable. Have a watch:
