Michael Dunlop is poised to reach another special milestone at the Isle of Man TT this year with the Northern Ireland rider on the cusp of chalking up 100 race starts.

Dunlop is the most successful TT rider in history after surpassing his legendary uncle Joey’s longstanding record of 26 wins in 2024.

The 37-year-old’s tally currently stands at 33 victories as Dunlop gears up for his latest quest for more silverware on the island, where the first practice and qualifying sessions are scheduled to take place on Monday.

Dunlop has 94 TT starts under his belt and with the Ballymoney man entered in eight races at the 2026 festival, he is set to line up for his 100th race in the second Supersport contest, which is set to take place on Friday, June 5.

placeholder image — Northern Ireland's Michael Dunlop is poised to reach a milestone 100th race start at this year's Isle of Man TT. (Photo by Stephen Davison/Pacemaker Press)

Only a handful of TT competitors have made 100 starts or more, including 23-time winner John McGuinness in 2022.

After winning a record 27th TT two years ago with victory in the first Supertwin race, Dunlop described the achievement as “the feather in the cap” of his sparkling career.

“We’re going home as the most successful TT rider of all time and that’s what it’s all about,” said the Ulsterman, who raced at the TT for the first time in 2007.

“It’s not that we’re any better than Joey, it’s just different times, different eras, but to have the most victories at the biggest road race in the world… somebody will probably overtake me in time but should it be in two years or ten years, it makes no difference – the whole world of road racing always revolved around Joey Dunlop’s record and for me that was the only one to break.

“Breaking mine won’t mean much to anybody but breaking Joey’s which has stood for 24 years, that’s the feather in the cap.”

Dunlop has clinched three consecutive four-timers around the 37.73-mile Mountain Course since 2023 and shows no sign of slowing down.

He unveiled a Ducati V4R Superbike at the British Superbike test at Oulton Park in April, but rode a Honda prepared by the Hawk Racing team at the North West 200, finishing third in the first Superbike race.

The Ulsterman said the Ducati required “more testing and development” before being unleashed on the roads.

It seems unlikely he will ride the Italian machine at the TT, but Dunlop is renowned for keeping his cards close to his chest and his plans will only become clearer once practice gets under way.

He has retained a Ducati Panigale V2 for the Supersport races and his trusty Paton for the newly rebranded Sportbike races, while Dunlop will ride a BMW M1000RR in the Superstock class.

Racing begins on Saturday with the opening Superstock and Sidecar events.