Michael Dunlop reflects on record-breaking Isle of Man TT success
Michael Dunlop’s impressive TT career shows no signs of slowing down after posting another three wins in 2026, but will his record-breaking run ever be matched?
Sustained success doesn’t get much better than Michael Dunlop at the Isle of Man TT, after the Ulsterman improved his record to 36 wins at the iconic road race last week.
Dunlop headed into the 2026 TT with 33 wins to his name, but after more success in the Supersport class, and victory in the only Sportbike race to take place, the road racing legend now sits 10 wins ahead of his uncle, Joey Dunlop (26).
Dunlop’s run in recent years has been impressive in many ways, but it’s his performances in the Supersport class that have led to most of his success.
Since the TT returned in 2022 following a two-year break due to Covid-19, Dunlop has not been beaten in any Supersport TT race, of which there have been ten. Just let that sink in for a second. That’s like a Grand Prix racer winning at the same circuit year, after year, after year.
But Dunlop has had plenty of success in other classes, too, including the formerly called Supertwin class, which now goes by the name Sportbike.
However, Dunlop was unable to add to his three 2026 TT race wins as Race 2 of the 2026 TT Sportbike class was cancelled due to poor weather, which was also the case for both Superstock TT races.
Dunlop’s success over the years has also come aboard many different motorcycles, and in 2026, his victories were achieved while riding a Ducati Panigale V2 (Supersport) and Paton (Sportbike).
Adding another three wins in 2026 is going to make his record difficult to beat for a very, very long time, but chances are, Dunlop will add a few more before hanging up his race leathers.
Reflecting on his TT career to date after winning two races on Friday, 5 June, Dunlop was quoted by the Belfast News Letter as saying:
“It’s been good, the career’s been good around here anyway and it’s been fantastic. I can’t say more to the boys, the bike [Ducati Panigale V2] was phenomenal again. I just settled off again and I knew Dean [Harrison] would come out of the blocks, but the wee bike’s been mint and thanks to everybody who keeps the whole team going. It’s good and I feel good. When the bike’s good I know I can win, and when we’re sitting right and I’m right, I know what I’m capable of.”
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After graduating with a sports journalism degree, Robert joined Crash.net to lead the WorldSBK coverage in 2021, while also providing MotoGP coverage. Fulfilling that role for over three years, Robert was able to put his knowledge about all things racing to the test.
