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Motor Cycling
2 July 2000 Sadly Joey died in a racing accident at Tallinn in Estonia. For the few years that we have known of him, he has been a very special person.
Joey Dunlop
The Isle of Man is regarded as the Road Racing Capital of the World. The three main annual motorcycling events being the TT Races early in June, the Southern 100 mid July and the Manx Grand Prix at the end of August. This web page is based on the first two events for 1999.
Things get a bit hectic during TT Week. There are some "slow" visitors who like to stay in Port Erin at the sea-front hotels, then we have the "fast" visitors, the Red Arrows, who thrill the crowds with their displays.
A lot happens, both on the racing circuit and off. Living in the Isle of Man you would think that we would be in a good position to get some wonderful pictures. Sometimes things go drastically wrong as you can see next. The Fire in the Pits is almost out, the flames have gone but the smoke lingered on, (no-one was injured) and the picture of Ruth and Joey Dunlop was an absolute disaster, how could I ever face her again?
Things could not get much worse, or could they...... Phil McAllen got away and the two sidecars were much too fast for me! Dave Jefferies had 3 First places and 1 Second in the TT and the nearest photo was taken from about 50 yards away.
We visited the Suzuki Villiage where the pace was a little slower and so the "action" shots were easier to come by, but you may not recognise the "stars" doing the posing. The Hyabusa looks nice!
Things start to get better at the Southern 100 where you can get some good snaps in the Pit Lane. Joey Dunlop composes himself before the race. In the field behind the sidecars you can see the CamperVans of the competitors.
Who should make a guest appearance at the Southern 100 but Dave Jefferies, and Steve Hislop who has 11 TT wins in his career.
And finally the photo that made everything right. Ruth and Joey Dunlop OBE MBE and 23 times a TT Winner.
This year the weather was good for the TT Fortnight and the Southern 100. Perhaps it will be good for the Manx Grand Prix also, let's hope so.
The best website we know which covers all Motorsport in the Isle of Man is:- www.motorsport.co.im/ Why not try it sometime, and for Dave Jefferies team V&M Racing try www.vandmracing.com
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Last revised: 18 August, 2001.