NW200 will be Dunlop’s BMW debut

PACEMAKER, BELFAST, 4/2/2014: Michael Dunlop pictured with the BMW S1000RR Superbike that he will race in 2014. The 24 year old seven time TT winner visited BMW UK's headquarters at Bracknell where he saw the Superbike and Superstock versions of the German machine that he will ride at the North West 200, TT, Ulster Grand Prix and Macau Grand Prix.
PICTURE BY STEPHEN DAVISON — PACEMAKER, BELFAST, 4/2/2014: Michael Dunlop pictured with the BMW S1000RR Superbike that he will race in 2014. The 24 year old seven time TT winner visited BMW UK's headquarters at Bracknell where he saw the Superbike and Superstock versions of the German machine that he will ride at the North West 200, TT, Ulster Grand Prix and Macau Grand Prix. PICTURE BY STEPHEN DAVISON

The Ballymoney man will make his first International road race appearance on the new machines at the Vauxhall International North West 200 on May 17.

“We have already agreed terms with Michael to ride at this year’s North West and it will be really exciting for the fans to see him on the grid on the new BMWs,” Event Director, Mervyn Whyte, MBE, said.

Dunlop had threatened to sit out this season after splitting with the official Honda road race team before he finalised a deal with the German company last week.

“BMW made it very clear that they want me to race for them and it is a new challenge for me, something very different,” Dunlop said.

“I have won on Yamahas, Hondas and Kawasakis and I am not scared of the thought of getting on to a new bike and trying to win.

“BMW have said that they will do what it takes to win. That is good to see and now it is down to me to deliver.”

Dunlop’s road race effort will be run by Hawk Racing with full technical support from BMW technical chief Bertie Hauser and his Motorrad HP RaceSupport boffins.

“We wanted Michael Dunlop because of what he has done so far in his career and it is clear what his ambitions are. He has impressed us with his great technical understanding and he has a huge competitive desire to win.” Lee Nicholls, BMW’s UK Marketing Manager said.