Motorcycle Racing

 How would I rate Joey Dunlop?

Joey Dunlop

Though I lost interest in watching motorcycle racing in 2000, I was an avid viewer for many decades. So, I accept younger viewers on YouTube lack the knowledge I gained. That said, with the availability of technology I never had, is that a reason for misinformation?

Opinion is personal, but official records are not opinion.

The case in point is Joey Dunlop, I found myself again explaining why she should not be classed as even a moderately successful GP rider.

What follows is NOT my opinion, but a short summary of his career.

I won't dispute he maybe the best rider who rode in Ireland, there again, few major riders competed there. He was the best rider of the NW2000 race.

He rode mainly against his brothers, who were not going to stop him winning TT races.

He raced mainly in Ireland, and the Isle of Man.

He didn't race against many of the top UK riders, I say UK, not British, to say British would include Australia, Rhodesia (at the time), and New Zealand.

His GP record was 2 races, 1-6th place, and 1-8th place.

My view of his ranking

Best in Ireland (No1)

             UK (top 30?)

         Wolrd (unrated)

My rating can be debated, his record cannot.

I admire his abiity to race at speed, no matter how poorly he performed