Carl Cox deal gives Michael Dunlop decks appeal

Dunlop, who last week confirmed he will ride the all-new Bennetts Suzuki GSX-R1000 at the international road races in 2017, has yet to announce his choice of manufacturer for the Supersport class, but has revealed his MD Racing bikes will carry high visibility Carl Cox Motorsport branding this season.

Cox has been a long-time fan of the Isle of Man TT and is a big admirer of the outright lap record holder, who has amassed 13 victories since his TT debut in 2007.

For several years now, Cox has arranged his schedule around the legendary motorsport event, playing DJ sets in Douglas before taking up his traditional residency in Ibiza.

Dunlop said: “Carl is a household name and it’s great to have such a big character supporting the team this year. Carl Cox Motorsport have a presence across many different types of racing, so it will be great to see them so involved on the roads.

“It is an exciting opportunity to link up with Carl who I know shares our enthusiasm for racing, and hopefully we can bring him and the team even more success.”

A huge motorcycling fan, Cox has supported a number of teams across various disciplines in the sport, backing riders in the Ducati Tri-Options Cup series within the British Superbike Championship as well as classic and sidecar racing in the Northern and Southern Hemispheres, including promoting new young talent in New Zealand’s 250cc Hyosung Cup.

Dunlop and Cox forged their partnership in December, when the current TT Superbike and Senior champion made his debut at the infamous Cemetery Circuit on Boxing Day. He spent time with Cox’s motorsport team and was pictured trying out their sidecar for size.

“We’re excited to be part of Michael Dunlop’s upcoming season, and of course the 2017 Isle of Man TT,” Cox said.

“Michael has been very supportive of us working together and I’m looking forward to some great, fast racing, forging a good team relationship and sharing all the memorable moments along the way. I can’t wait to be there.”

Dunlop became the first ever rider to crack the sub 17-minute barrier with a blistering lap in the Superbike TT last June.

He also established a stunning new absolute lap record at just under 134mph, raising the benchmark to an incredible 133.962mph on his way to victory in the Senior.

The Northern Ireland racer is set to continue his pre-season testing schedule this week at the Barry Symmons-organised Pro Test at Cartagena in Spain, which commences on Wednesday.

A number of top riders and teams will participate in the test, including Tyco BMW’s BSB riders Davide Giugliano and Christian Iddon, plus Ian Hutchinson.

Michael Laverty will also be in action on the McAms Yamaha.

The Bournemouth Kawasaki team is entered with Leon Haslam, Luke Mossey and James Hillier, while Peter Hickman will be out on the Smiths Racing BMW.

Bennetts Suzuki’s BSB riders Sylvain Guintoli and Taylor Mackenzie have also made the trip to Spain.

Also at the test, Lisburn’s Carl Phillips will have the chance to get some miles under his belt as he prepares to ride under the MD Racing banner in the National Superstock 1000 series.