Tributes pour in for the Dunlop family as tragedy strikes again, with William losing his life on the track

Public figures from all walks of life pay tribute to the former Macau Grand Prix competitor from Northern Ireland who died in competition last weekend

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William Dunlop was considering retirement before his tragic death. Photo: William Dunlop Racing

Published: 7:15pm, 11 Jul 2018Updated: 10:36pm, 11 Jul 2018

Tributes have poured in for former Macau Motorcycle Grand Prix competitor William Dunlop who became the latest member of a legendary racing family to die on the track after a fatal accident in an event in Ireland last weekend.

William, the eldest son of the late Robert Dunlop and nephew of record Isle of Man TT winner Joey Dunlop, was killed during practice at the Skerries 100 in County Dublin, Ireland. The 32-year-old Dunlop leaves behind his pregnant partner, Janine, and their daughter Ella. The couple were expecting their second child in September.

The Dunlop brothers Michael and William discuss conditions at the Dundrod 150 in 2011. Photo: Stephen Davison / Pacemaker Press International

Fans have set up a fund for Dunlop’s pregnant partner and young daughter with more than £15,000 (HK$156,000) raised so far, according to reports.

It was the latest tragedy to strike the Dunlops, one of the most legendary names in motorcycling in Britain.

His father, Robert, who was the Macau Grand Prix winner in 1989, died in a crash during practice for the North West 200 in 2009. Robert’s elder brother, Joey – William’s uncle – another legendary figure in British motorcycle circles, was killed while racing in Estonia nine years earlier in 2000. Joey Dunlop took two podium places on the 6.2km Guia circuit Macau in 1982 and 1983.