Robert Dunlop lived and died for road racing and last night he paid the ultimate price on one of his favourite circuits, the North West 200.
Generally regarded as an icon of the road racing scene, Robert, now in his 29th season, was looking forward to tomorrow's international occasion.
Commenting in the NW Race programme Robert said; "Between my late brother Joey and myself, we have racked up 28 victories at the Triangle so it's now down to the next generation to continue that trend although they have yet to beat me!"
He went on; "my first memories of the North West were not that good as I had a lot of engine problems. It was 1986 before I won my first race and that was in the 350cc class. It was a very proud moment."
Robert, of course, was a natural on both road and track. In fact, he was a former 125cc British Champion.
However his talent was soon recognised by some of the big cross channel teams including the famous JPS Norton concern.
In total he had 15 wins over the North West circuit including five in both the 125cc and Superbike categories.
In addition to the NW event he excelled at the Isle of Man TT which very nearly cost him his life in 1994.
On that occasion, a rear wheel collapsed when he was travelling at 130mph and he subsequently spent some considerable time on a life support machine and in intensive care.
However, soon after that horrific crash he vowed that he would race again even though some of the legislators of the sport felt that it would be unwise.
However, Robert managed to secure a modified 125cc machine and that got him on the road again with help from his long time sponsors PJ O'Kane and John Kennedy.
Always a winner Roberttold me; "Once the helmet goes on you're out to beat everybody else and yes, we could all be dicing together but we know how to stay within our limits."
He always pushed hard right from the drop pof the flag and was a winner earlier this year at Cookstown.
Robert may have been small in stature but he could walk tall whenever the occasions demanded.
His youngest son Michael saw the tragedy unfold while another son William, was an early retirement from the same category with machine problems.
Robert's death has without doubt thrown a dark cloud over Saturday's event.
Clerk of the course Mervyn Whyte said; "Robert was one of Norther Ireland's best known and most experienced riders who will always be remembered for his infectious personality and love for road racing.
"Invariably I sought Robert's advice on various aspects of our safety proceduires at the North West."
Motorcyclists everywherer will be stunned by his untimely death. Sympathy is extended to his wife Louise and their sons as well as the wider family circle.

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