Michael 'sorry for letting Dunlop name down'

The 21-year-old was heavily criticised over his conduct during media interviews at the TT and in particular for comments he made about fellow competitor Guy Martin.

Dunlop, already a TT winner following his Supersport victory on the Island in 2009, made an off the cuff remark that he would 'put Guy through the hedge' if the Kirmington rider fancied his chances of coming out on top of an on-the-roads dice with the Ballymoney lad.

His act of bravado backfired and did little to enhance his prospects of securing a coveted ride with a leading factory-backed team in the future.

Dunlop says he has "learned his lesson" and has vowed to adopt a more professional approach to the sport.

"I want to hold my hands up and say sorry for being a complete idiot at the TT races last month.

"I now realise that not only did I let myself down, I also let my sponsors and their families, trade sponsors, my helpers, loyal supporters, friends, media, children and the Dunlop name down by my actions," he said.

"I never set out to behave like that nor was I trying to copy anyone, but I could see on television that I was just rambling on without thinking. I was off the rails."

Dunlop, whose courageous ride to victory in the 250cc race at the North West 200 in 2008 following dad Robert's fatal practice crash earned him the respect of thousands of race-goers, said he would strive to uphold his family's honour on the race track.

"Anyone who knows me will know that I never went out with the intentions of damaging our family name," he said.

"Our name means the world to me and I am trying so hard to keep it up there. I am riding hard, that won't change, but I know my limits. I am still learning, but I am not stupid either.

"I have learned my lesson and know I need to be more professional within this sport," he added.

"I may be a boy but I am man enough to admit when I am wrong."

Dunlop also stressed that his threat to clatter Guy Martin at the TT was nothing more than youthful bluster.

"People misunderstood what I meant about not letting other riders push me around," he explained.

"All I meant was that I wasn't going to let the big boys bully me or overawe me, but I certainly would never have taken anyone out. I know better than anyone the other side of our sport and I certainly wouldn't wish any family to have to endure that.

"I am up for any fight but there's no way that I would put any other rider at risk," said Dunlop.