TT 2026: Michael Dunlop surprises fans with special tribute lap on replica of famous Joey Dunlop Honda SP-1
Michael Dunlop surprised Isle of Man TT fans after riding the replica he built of Joey Dunlop’s iconic 2000 Formula 1 TT-winning Honda SP1 on Friday evening.
Dunlop was originally supposed to ride the machine on a special parade lap at the Classic TT in 2025 to mark the 25th anniversary of the tragic death of Northern Ireland sporting legend Joey, who died following a crash in Estonia on July 2, 2000.
Joey famously won the Formula 1 TT race as part of a final treble 26 years ago shortly before his fatal accident.
Michael spent many hours building the immaculately prepared Honda SP1, which went on display to the public in the Joey Dunlop pop-up museum at last August’s Classic TT.
Speaking during the event last year, Dunlop said: “It took a lot of hours I must say, and it was a very short period of time.
“I only got the bike just after the Southern 100 and I had to strip all the engine – it was full of fuel – and start from scratch, and do a lot of buffing and stuff, but I think it’s come out quite well.
“I’ve done a good enough job, there’s a lot of hours in the workshop, but I think it’s as nice a job as anything.
“There were some bits I could have kept going with but then you have to say, ‘where do I stop’, but it’s come out a real nice piece of kit and it looks like it’s on point, and that’s the main thing.”
The tribute lap took place following a red flag in the Senior race on the second lap at the 11th Milestone.
A rider was airlifted to Noble’s Hospital and was described as ‘conscious and talking’.
The Milwaukee Senior TT has been rescheduled for Saturday over four laps from 12:00 BST, with the second three-lap Carole Nash Sportbike race at 15:00 BST.
The RL360 Superstock race has been cancelled, with no option to use Sunday’s contingency because of expected poor weather.