Michael Dunlop says his pure "passion" for motorbikes keeps him at the sport that inflicted so much tragedy on his family.
The 34-year-old has offered an insight into the mindset that fuels his desire to continue road racing in a brilliant new Isle of Man TT documentary ‘No Room For Error’.
The four-part series launched on ITV4 and ITVX on Monday, and provides fans with a searingly honest look into the physical and mental challenges faced by riders on the 37-mile Mountain Course.
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Dunlop is a 21-time TT winner, just five behind the record of his legendary uncle Joey Dunlop who died in a crash while racing in Estonia in 2000.
It isn't the only loss the Dunlop family has suffered, with Michael's famous racing father Robert – a five-time TT winner – dying following a crash at the North West 200 in 2008, while his older brother William was fatally injured in a crash at the Skerries 100 road races in 2018.
The unthinkable family grief has led to many fans questioning Michael's desire to continue racing, but the Ballymoney hero says his love for motorbikes has kept him in the fast lane.
“For me the TT was always the pinnacle and that was always my goal – to win a TT,” Dunlop says in ‘No Room For Error’, which was filmed during last year's Isle of Man TT races.
“Nobody in my mind would have went through what I’ve been through and come back to do this if they didn’t love motorbikes.
“I personally love motorbikes, it’s been my life. I’ve had a fantastic lifestyle out of it. I’ve travelled the world and met some wonderful people, and some a******* as well. But I’ve met some wonderful people.
“But on the other hand I’ve found the lowest of the lows, so if it wasn’t for the passion of loving motorbikes I don’t think nobody in their right mind – especially of my state – they wouldn’t come back to do it.”
This year's Isle of Man TT festival runs from Monday, May 29 to Saturday, June 10.
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