Welcome to the Sam Dunlop Supporters Club.
Sam is the 22 year-old son of Jim Dunlop and nephew to Robert and the late Joey Dunlop of Ballymoney, Co Antrim in Northern Ireland.
He began his racing career at the age of just 17, riding a 125 Honda. Like his father, who rode in the Isle of Man between 1977 and 1981 along with brothers Joey and Robert, Sam had always wanted to race on the Island and enjoyed his first victory at the Manx Grand Prix in September 2005, winning the Newcomer's Race in Class C on his 125 Honda and beating all others in the 400cc race which was running at the same time as the 125cc event. Sam was the only rider on a 125cc machine to beat all of the 400cc riders.
This in itself was an achievement. In fact this was Sam's first race victory and not many could lay claim to winning their first road race at such a prestigious event at the Manx Grand Prix! To add to this, he finished 9th in the ultra-lightweight race on the Friday, being the first 125cc home, putting in his fastest lap time of 104+ on the second lap despite having to pit for fuel and on intermediate tyres to boot. Ballymoney had some celebrating to do as the young Dunlop carried on the family tradition of riding (and winning) in the Isle of Man, following in the footsteps of father Jim and Uncles Joey and Robert. Sam sure is the man!
Photograph courtesy of Simon Lee,The Picture Box,IOM.
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