With a long and rich history in motorsport, Dunlop have helped to create some of the most iconic racing moments of all time.
As part of their latest marketing campaign, Dunlop are giving the public a chance to explore the stories behind ten of the greatest comebacks of all time, with readers voting for their number one.
Among the Le Mans and the Grand Prix stories lie three fantastic motorcycle comebacks, which serve to illustrate both Dunlop’s pedigree and heritage in the world of motorcycle racing.
They include Mike Hailwood’s dramatic comeback at the 1978 Isle of Man TT, more than a decade after he last slung his leg over a bike on the island. Hailwood famously retired from motorsport in 1974 following injuries he sustained in a Formula 1 accident that same year. However, 4 years later he was lured back to the famous Mountain Course, limping and overweight. Given little chance by many, he overcame expectations to set his fastest ever lap around the island and take the Formula One win.
In 2010, a 17-year old Marc Marquez was forced to the back of the grid in the Estoril GP, after a fall on his way to line-up for the restart saw his team work their socks off to make some frantic repairs to his bike. By the end of the first lap he had already climbed to 3rd, and took it right down to the wire with title rival Nico Terol in a last lap duel which saw the Spaniard claim his 10th win of the season.
Finally we’ve got the Morecambe Missile, John McGuinness. The first man to break the 130mph lap barrier at the TT, and something of a legend around the Mountain Course. Following a disappointing TT in 2014, where he struggled in all classes after recovering from a broken wrist, McGuinness lined up for the 2015 Blue Riband Senior Race with a point to prove, and boy did he do just that. A new lap record and a 23rd TT win under his belt, McGuinness proved he’s not past it yet, defying expectations after another poor week by his standards in the other classes.
You can find out more about all of these fantastic fightback memories and vote for your favourite at www.greatfightbacks.com
