Dunlop to replace McBride at Phase One
Michael Dunlop, who made a last minute decision to the Isle of Man TT on Tuesday, will race in the Superbike and Senior TT races it has been confirmed.
The 20-year-old will replace James McBride in the Team Phase One team for the races. McBride was injured in a practice session earlier in the week.
Dunlop had previously announced he would not attend the TT following the tragic loss of his TT-winning father Robert Dunlop, who died in a practice accident at the North West 200.
Just two days after his dad’s tragic death, Dunlop rode to an emotional victory in the 250cc race at the North West, but his future in road racing was thrown into doubt when brother William reportedly said the pair were considering quitting the roads.
However, a last minute change of heart saw Michael Dunlop load his 600cc Yamaha R6 into his van and head to the Isle of Man.
After McBride suffered fractures in a high speed crash during Monday evening’s practice session, Phase One Team Manager Russell Benney contacted the organisers to try and find a replacement to ride the Yamaha R1.
Dunlop’s name was one of those mentioned, and, not long after he had arrived in the Island, an agreement was reached to enable him to line up for the three-times World Endurance Championship-winning team.
In addition to riding for Phase One in Superbike and Senior TT races, Dunlop will also campaign his own 600cc Yamaha in the two Supersport races.
He also plans to compete in the 125cc Ultra Lightweight and 250cc Lightweight TT races at Billown on June 7.