Joey Dunlop facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Joey Dunlop
Dunlop at the TT races
Nationality	British
Born	(1952-02-25)25 February 1952 Armoy, Northern Ireland
Died	2 July 2000(2000-07-02) (aged 48) Tallinn, Estonia
Bike number	3
Motorcycle racing career statistics Isle of Man TT career TTs contested 102 (1976–2000) TT wins 26 First TT win 1977 Jubilee Classic Last TT win 2000 Ultra-Lightweight 125 TT Podiums 40

Dunlop on a Honda RS125 exiting the Gooseneck, a bend at the start of the mountain section of the Isle of Man TT course

William Joseph Dunlop (born February 25, 1952 – died July 2, 2000) was an amazing motorcycle racer from Ballymoney, Northern Ireland. People often called him the "King of the Roads" because he was so good at road racing.

Joey Dunlop is famous for winning a record 26 races at the Isle of Man TT, which is one of the toughest motorcycle races in the world. He even won three races in one year, three times! This is called a "hat-trick." His fastest lap on the course was an incredible 123.87 miles per hour.

Besides being a racing superstar, Joey was also a very kind person. He helped children in orphanages in places like Romania. He was given special awards for both his sports achievements and his charity work.

Joey Dunlop racing in the Senior TT in 1992

Joey's Amazing Racing Career

Joey Dunlop was a true legend in motorcycle racing. He won many races and championships throughout his career.

Isle of Man TT Success

The Isle of Man TT is a very famous and challenging race. Joey won 26 races there, more than anyone else. He won his first TT race in 1977 and his last in 2000. He was known for his incredible skill and bravery on the course.

Ulster Grand Prix Wins

Joey also won the Ulster Grand Prix 24 times. This is another major road race. He showed his talent across different types of motorcycles and races.

Formula One World Champion

In 1986, Joey won his fifth straight TT Formula One world title. This championship was based on races, including the Isle of Man TT. It showed he was one of the best riders in the world for many years.

Helping Others: Joey's Charity Work

Joey Dunlop was not just a racer; he had a huge heart. He spent a lot of his time helping children in need.

Delivering Aid to Orphans

Before his racing season started each year, Joey would drive a van full of supplies to orphanages. He visited places like Romania, Albania, and Bosnia-Herzegovina. He brought them clothes and food.

Awards for Kindness

Because of his amazing humanitarian work, Joey was given an OBE award in 1996. This is a special award from the British government.

Joey Dunlop Foundation

After Joey passed away, a charity called the Joey Dunlop Foundation was started. This foundation helps people with disabilities visit the Isle of Man by providing special places for them to stay.

A Close Call: The Shipwreck

Joey Dunlop had a very scary experience in 1985. He was traveling to the Isle of Man for the TT races by boat.

Boat Trouble

On the night of May 23, 1985, Joey and other riders were on a boat called the Tornamona. The boat was heading from Northern Ireland to the Isle of Man. Strong currents pushed the boat onto a rock.

Rescue at Sea

The boat started to sink, but luckily, all 13 people on board were saved. The local Portaferry Lifeboat came to their rescue. Later, divers were able to get the motorcycles back from the sunken boat.

Joey's Life Off the Track

Joey Dunlop was a private person, but some things about his life were well-known.

Family Life and Superstitions

He got married in 1972 and owned a pub in Ballymoney. Joey was also a bit superstitious. He always wore a red T-shirt and a yellow helmet when he raced.

Honored by His Hometown

In 1993, the town of Ballymoney gave Joey the "Freedom of the Borough." This is a special honor given to important people.

Remembering Joey Dunlop

Memorial in Ballymoney, Northern Ireland

Statue on the TT course

Joey Dunlop sadly died in Tallinn, Estonia, on July 2, 2000. He was racing in a 125cc event when he lost control of his bike in wet conditions.

A Sad Day for Racing

His death was a huge shock to the racing world and to people everywhere. The Estonian government even changed its official website to honor him.

Funeral and Tributes

Thousands of people, including bikers from all over, came to his funeral in Northern Ireland. It showed how much he was loved and respected.

Lasting Memorials

Many things have been named after Joey to remember him.

• The most successful rider at the annual TT races now wins the "Joey Dunlop Cup."
• A statue of him stands in his hometown of Ballymoney.
• On the Isle of Man TT course, there's a statue of Joey on his Honda. A part of the course, near the 26th Milestone, is now called "Joey's."
• A memorial stone was placed at the crash site in Tallinn.
• An Irish band called Therapy? even recorded a song called Joey in his memory.

Joey's Racing Records

Here are some of Joey Dunlop's incredible racing achievements.

Complete TT Record

Ulster Grand Prix: 24 Victories

North West 200: 13 Victories

Formula TT World Championship

World Grand Prix Championships

World Formula 750 Championship

Macau Grand Prix

Imola 200

World Superbikes (WSBK) 1988

(Joey had 30 points and was 3rd in the championship before he stopped competing. He still finished 13th overall.)

Images for kids

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  Joey Dunlop Foundation building at Braddan Bridge, Douglas, Isle of Man

See also

In Spanish: Joey Dunlop para niños