Tony
03-07-2000, 11:31 AM
From today's Independent :
THE world of motorcycling was shocked and saddened at the tragic death of legend Joey Dunlop during a race in Estonia yesterday.
The accident happened during heavy rain in the 125cc race. It is believed that after coming off the bike, Joey slid into a crowd of spectators and trees.
The 48-year-old Antrim man has been the most successful road racer in history, winning 26 TT races at the Isle of Man, and five Formula One World championships. He won his first TT back in 1977, and his winning magic on the island continued up until last month when he sensationally took three more victories in the most dangerous road races in the world.
As well as racing, Joey was also recognised as a fearless charity worker, collecting and driving cargoes of aid to Romania and the Balkans. Among his many trophies and titles he also collected an OBE and an MBE for his selfless work for others.
His loss will be felt by racing fans the world over - and both David Trimble and Seamus Mallon paid tribute to him on hearing of his death.
Despite fame he always remained level headed, shying away from media queries about his obvious genius and in more recent years he was beating racers half his age with twice his physical strength.
Many believed as Joey hit his 40s, he was less capable of success on the larger capacity machines, but he was consistently able to surprise. In June he won the Formula One race at the TT on a 1,000cc Honda.
Only three weeks ago at the Isle of Man, Joey said he would keep racing as ``long as he was still capable of enjoying it, and could still win''.
Winning races was one thing, but winning the hearts of generations of racing fans was a prize that Joey gave back to the sport. He wasn't afraid to get his hands dirty and worked on his own bikes.
He is survived by his wife Linda and five children. He previously lost a brother-in-law to the sport.
THE world of motorcycling was shocked and saddened at the tragic death of legend Joey Dunlop during a race in Estonia yesterday.
The accident happened during heavy rain in the 125cc race. It is believed that after coming off the bike, Joey slid into a crowd of spectators and trees.
The 48-year-old Antrim man has been the most successful road racer in history, winning 26 TT races at the Isle of Man, and five Formula One World championships. He won his first TT back in 1977, and his winning magic on the island continued up until last month when he sensationally took three more victories in the most dangerous road races in the world.
As well as racing, Joey was also recognised as a fearless charity worker, collecting and driving cargoes of aid to Romania and the Balkans. Among his many trophies and titles he also collected an OBE and an MBE for his selfless work for others.
His loss will be felt by racing fans the world over - and both David Trimble and Seamus Mallon paid tribute to him on hearing of his death.
Despite fame he always remained level headed, shying away from media queries about his obvious genius and in more recent years he was beating racers half his age with twice his physical strength.
Many believed as Joey hit his 40s, he was less capable of success on the larger capacity machines, but he was consistently able to surprise. In June he won the Formula One race at the TT on a 1,000cc Honda.
Only three weeks ago at the Isle of Man, Joey said he would keep racing as ``long as he was still capable of enjoying it, and could still win''.
Winning races was one thing, but winning the hearts of generations of racing fans was a prize that Joey gave back to the sport. He wasn't afraid to get his hands dirty and worked on his own bikes.
He is survived by his wife Linda and five children. He previously lost a brother-in-law to the sport.