Both Michael Dunlop and the team at Dunlop Tyres had reason to celebrate on Friday as the Hawk Suzuki rider wrapped up a hugely successful TT 2017 for both parties with a win in the Senior race.
The week started well for Dunlop’s race division with new recruit Ian Hutchinson topping the Superbike contest, and further wins followed in Superstock and Supersport classes for Dunlop riders during the week.
Although the schedule was shortened, Dunlop riders claimed victory in all but one of the two-wheel contests, also completing a podium lockout in Friday’s TT Zero with Bruce Anstey taking the win ahead of Guy Martin and Daley Mathison.
The Blue Riband contest was shortened to four laps after Ian Hutchinson fell whilst out in front on the second lap, breaking his leg and bringing out the red flags.
After the restart Michael Dunlop hit the front and was never headed on the new GSX-R1000, coming closest to breaking his own lap record with a 132.903mph circulation as he was chased by Peter Hickman.
Hickman came to the Isle of Man this year looking for a first TT podium, and ended up taking one in five different races to mark a very successful week for the current fastest newcomer record.
It was also a successful TT debut for Dunlop’s new D213 GP supersport & superstock race tyre which is due to launch in Europe next month.
“To come away from the Isle of Man TT with victory in the four biggest solo races and 12 podiums finishes, including with riders who switched to Dunlop this season, is testament to the trust the world’s top racers have in our brand across both proven and new products. The iconic TT Mountain Course tests riders, machines and tyres and we’re incredibly proud to have been chosen by winners of the Superbike, Superstock, Supersport and Senior TT. The Isle of Man TT is in Dunlop’s DNA and we will continue to battle for future wins” said Xavier Fraipont, Managing Director, Dunlop Motorcycle and Motorsport EMEA.
We’ll have more details on that new tyre for professional racers very soon!
