William Dunlop tragically dies in road race practice in Ireland

Another painful blow to the Dunlop racing dynasty

William Dunlop, from Ballymoney in Northern Ireland, has died of injuries sustained from a crash during practice for the Skerries 100 road races. He is survived by his pregnant girlfriend Janine, daughter Ella, mother Louise, and his two brothers: the 18-time Isle of Man TT winner, Michael, and British Army veteran, Daniel.

It has been reported that, on July 7, 2018, William Dunlop crashed his Temple Golf Club Yamaha YZF-R1 at the Sam’s Tunnel section, on his third lap during the Skerries 100 open race practice session.

The Dunlop dynasty of motorcycle racers is legendary, but also mired in tragedy. William lost his uncle, Joey, to a crash on the Pirita-Kose-Kloostrimetsa Circuit in Estonia in 2000. Joey Dunlop still holds the record of most Isle of Man TT wins, with an astounding 26. William’s brother, Michael, has accumulated 18 victories on the same mountain course. William's father, Robert, died during the 2008 North West 200.

William Dunlop himself had sustained a prolific road racing career, with four North West 200 wins, seven Ulster Grand Prix wins, and several podium positions in TT Zero.

The Ballymoney man withdrew from the North West 200 main race earlier this year, after sustaining bruises from a night practice accident which occurred during the 10th anniversary week of his father’s death. Soon after, William also walked away at the last minute from the recent Isle of Man TT, expressing a desire to spend more time at home.

The Loughshinny Motorcycle Supporters Club, organizers of the Skerries 100, released a statement that ”competitor William Dunlop of Ballymoney, Co Antrim, has passed away following injuries received in a tragic accident that occurred during practise which took place today 7th July 2018... The Loughshinny Motorcycle Supporters Club extends their heartfelt sympathy to William Dunlop's family and friends. Our thoughts and prayers are with them at this very sad time.”