Joey Dunlop’s heroics recalled as rider donned identical race leaders

He won one of the showpiece ‘big bike’ classes, his first since his uncle Joey’s famous triumph 13 years ago.

The fact that his victory came 30 years to the day since Joey secured his first island success on a Honda only served to add to the poignancy of the occasion.

That anniversary was marked by the Japanese manufacturer as Michael’s team-mate John McGuinness donned identical leathers and livery to that which the record 26-time winner Joey sported in the 2000 Formula One race.

“I never had the chance to race with Joey but to see John in those colours and on that bike was mesmerising. It was as if he was out there on the track again,” said Michael.