A stunning collection of Joey Dunlop race machines will be exhibited in the race paddock at the 2014 Isle of Man Classic TT Races presented by Bennetts.
The exhibition is part of the Isle of Man Classic TTs Joey Dunlop Road Racing Legend tribute theme, which also includes a parade lap featuring his greatest rivals and an ’80s themed fancy dress paddock carnival and party.
The free pop up exhibition, which runs from Friday 22nd to Monday 25th August, will feature 25 authentic machines raced by Joey Dunlop in his 24 year career, including a number of his Isle of Man TT winning machines. Collectors, friends and members of Joey’s own family have loaned the machines to the Classic TT Race organisers.
As you would expect Honda, the marque synonymous with Joey Dunlop, dominate the exhibition including iconic RC45s, RC30s, RS250s, RS125s, CBR 600’s and his 1986 Senior TT winning RS500. However, the exhibition, will also feature other machines from earlier in his career including Yamaha’s and Suzuki’s along with the 350cc Aermacchi he rode in the Classic MGP Races.
David Cretney, the Isle of Man Government’s Minister for Fun, who will open the exhibition ahead of Thursday’s qualifying session, commented:
“We wanted to pay an appropriate tribute to one of road racing’s greatest names and what better way than to assemble the finest collection of his race bikes for the first time.”
He continued:Â “We have had a brilliant response from the bike owners in loaning their machines and are very grateful for their generosity. From a personal point of view, as someone who was involved in the TT races during Joey’s career, it will bring back many great memories and I hope that as many fans as possible visit the exhibition.”
Arai UK launch limited edition RX7-GP Joey Dunlop 1985 Replica Helmet
Arai UK have announced a new Limited Edition RX7-GP Joey Dunlop 1985 Replica Helmet as part of this year’s celebration of Joey’s unique career at the Classic TT. Each of the 300 helmets will be numbered and come with a matching numbered certificate, which will be hand signed by Linda Dunlop.
Arai say it’s the most authentic limited edition Joey Dunlop replica helmet produced using the actual design and sponsors from 1985. The helmet will be a Celebration of Joey Dunlop’s success throughout his racing career, particularly the 1985 Isle of Man TT Races where Joey had three first place finishes; the ‘Junior TT’; the ‘Formula 1 TT’ and the Blue Riband ‘Senior TT’. Joey also had three first places at the Ulster GP and two at the NW200 in the same year.
The design prominently features Northern Ireland radio station DownTown Radio who sponsored Joey during 1985 and had the radio station logo on the side of his iconic yellow and black helmet. The ‘Joey 85’ is the most authentic replica to date with a simple ‘Joey’ on the back as per his helmet of that year.
The helmet will also be on display at this year’s Classic TT Races presented by Bennetts, which will feature a display of 25 authentic machines raced by Joey Dunlop in his 24 year career including a number of his Isle of Man TT winning machines. The 80’s themed Classic TT Festival will also include a parade lap – ‘Joey Dunlop Road Racing Legend – The Rivals’ sponsored by the Isle of Man Steam Packet Company featuring many of his closest competitors.
Joey’s widow Linda Dunlop commented – “I am happy that the new Arai has come about, it looks great and I know that Joey’s fans from around the world have been looking for another replica to be done by Arai. It keeps Joey’s memory alive.”
