William Dunlop dies in accident during Skerries 100 practice
Irish road racing star William Dunlop has been killed in a crash during practice for the Skerries 100 race in County Dublin
32-year-old Dunlop was making his return to racing at the national Skerries 100 event having decided to sit out the 2018 Isle of Man TT.
Originally announcing that he was withdrawing to recover from injuries sustained at the North West 200 just weeks prior, he later revealed he left the island to be with his partner during a period of uncertainty over the health of their unborn child.
The Ballymoney rider is understood to have been riding his Temple Golf Club-run Yamaha YZF-R1 machine when he crashed at the Sam's Tunnel section of the 2.9-mile circuit.
A statement from event organisers, the Loughshinny Motorcycle Club, read: "The Loughshinny Motorcycle Supporters Club, organisers of the Skerries 100, deeply regrets to announce that competitor William Dunlop of Ballymoney, Co. Antrim, has passed away following injuries in a tragic accident that occurred during practice which took place today July 7 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."
Dunlop began his racing career in 2000, and has gone on to win 108 times on Ireland's national road racing scene, as well as four victories at the North West 200, seven at the Ulster Grand Prix and five podiums at the TT.
His father Robert, a renowned racer during his career, lost his life during practice for the 2008 North West 200, while William's uncle Joey - who still holds the record for most TT wins at 26 - died in 2000 during a race in Tallin, Estonia.
William's younger brother Michael tallied up his 18th TT success at this year's event, moving him into third on the all-time winners list behind only 23-time winner John McGuinness and Dunlop's legendary uncle.
Previous article
Injured TT rider Steve Mercer's family issues recovery update
Next article
Isle of Man TT winner Michael Dunlop pays tribute to brother
About this article
| Series | TT |
| Author | Lewis Duncan |
How the world's fastest road racer is helping Britain's motorcycling future
Britain has dominated motorcycle racing for three decades, but its representation at the top table is in decline. Looking to provide fresh energy and opportunity in the junior ranks, the world's fastest road racer Peter Hickman may have found a solution
The far-reaching impact of cancelling motorcycling's greatest race
The coronavirus-induced cancellation of the Isle of Man TT was unavoidable, but as thoughts turn to its return in 2021, the ramifications could be felt for a long time yet
How the IoM TT's greatest race was won
In our final feature looking back at the major motorsport moments from the 2010s, we recall a day at the 2018 Isle of Man TT that featured broken records and the making of a new star of the motorbike road racing scene
The law keeping a circuit 'better than Spa' alive
Like the Isle of Man TT, the Ulster Grand Prix has thrived after losing world championship status decades ago. But unlike the TT, Ulster walks a fine line to survive through an innovative bit of legislation
What went wrong with McGuinness's TT comeback
John McGuinness targeted scoring a podium "at least" with Norton at the Isle of Man TT, but his return to the island - in the major classes at least - could scarcely have gone worse. What next for the veteran after his most disappointing TT?
What the TT means to those who have braved it
OPINION: The Isle of Man TT is an event like few others in motorsport - and it has a reputation for being incredibly dangerous. But to those involved in the competition, it has a completely different standing
The unavoidable headache challenging TT organisers
For much of the 2019 Isle of Man TT fortnight so far, the weather has dominated the headlines as rain has forced a series of delays and cancellations. This may be frustrating to fans, but stems from the unique challenge that makes the event a motorsport gem
The importance of short-circuit racing for TT success
Isle of Man TT riders using short-circuit races to warm up for the main event is nothing new, but the success of some relative newcomers to the TT in recent years has resulted in a more seismic shift in preparations
