Terrible news : Martin Finnegan, and now the kind and shy Robert Dunlop. They would both be appalled that their deaths might lead ppl to question road racing. In our times of exxagerated research for safety, road racing is a rare and precious space of freedom, for riders knowing they risk their lives but nevertheless willing to test their riding skills on closed roads rather than on open roads or closed circuits. Why should anybody decide that one sport is too dangerous ? Where is the limit ? How many casulaties per year are acceptable ?
If you respect road racers, just mourn them when they leave, and don't be sad : they died while practising what their entire life was all about, happy...
Posted by Who Cares - Unregistered (149 days ago)
8 people agree.1 people disagree.
Very very sad. RIP. :(
However, in response to Jimmy. All riders are well aware of the risks they take road racing. Roberts on brother Joey died racing so he is more aware than many. No one forces them to do it, they know it's not safe, yet many many riders turn up to do them every weekend.
DJ, Joey,Britten,Finnigan,and now Robert, Some team and HOW much Black stuff will they consume when they all meet up! God bless them all they were a great part of my life as all true road racers are,Gifted Sportsmen
Posted by Tom - Unregistered (149 days ago)
4 people agree.1 people disagree.
What a tragic loss but he died doing something he loved, how many people can say that. His memory will live on.
Posted by Nick Chester - Unregistered (148 days ago)
5 people agree.1 people disagree.
a real loss unbelievable really. i saw him at bsb thruxton a few years ago when his son was competing in supersport. i had to do a double take he was just sat outside the transit van soaking up the sun i was to in awe too speak to him...wish i had now. I often think about what road racing means when i hear of another tragic death and i think of an interview i saw with Tom Heron (shortly before he was killed) where he says he would hate to think of his kids not having the chance to race the roads like him which hits the nail on the head for me, it should stop when no-one wants to do it.
R.I.P Robert Dunlop.
Posted by simon - Unregistered (148 days ago)
5 people agree.1 people disagree.
I was privileged to meet Robert many years ago when he was riding the JPS Norton. What a lovely fella he was and it's a real tragedy that he is no longer with us. I agree with all those who defend road racing though as I'm sure he would be the last person to want it to disappear. His own response to Joey's death was proof of that.
I will always remember him for what he gave back to the sport he loved and for his friendliness and dignity towards all who knew him. God rest Robert: you will live forever.
Posted by Ian - Unregistered (148 days ago)
1 people agree.1 people disagree.
A brave and talented guy. He'll be greatly missed.
A great talent taken by mechanicl fault. RIP Micro long live roadrcing.
Posted by robert - Unregistered (148 days ago)
3 people agree.
Fair enough, i may have been wrong about taking a look at the road racing side of things..
but its just hard to see great racers passing away.
i remember watching robert doing the TT 2001 i think it was on the 125, having to ride injured and put his left arm behind his back on the straights cos it was so uncomfortable for him...he will be sadly missed, im sure he would have been up there at the TT this year as well.
RIP, terrible news. Am hoping to get across to the NW200 one of these years, was looking foward to seeing him race.
As Robert had his brake and clutch both on the left handlebar he may have grabbed the brake when trying to grab the clutch, which he would obviously have wanted to do if the engine had seized as reports say.
As for those who are going to slag road racing - by the sounds of it, it could have easily happened on a track! he seized and crashed!
RIP
Posted by Dryballs - Unregistered (148 days ago)
2 people agree.1 people disagree.
It's been a great days racing so far, one of the best I've seen. Great way to remember him, the last thing he would want to see is the racing canceled.
Disappointed with Crash though, one of the biggest road racing events of the year, attended by 120,000 and crash can't even be ****d posting the results. Instead the front page get's filled with endless non-news items that stay on the front page for three our four days.
A sad fact of road racing people get killed, the riders love the tight twisty circuts listen to them all, they know the risks and are prepared to take them, good luck to them all and i hope they all return safley. RIP Robert and Martin, My thoughts are with your familys
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