By Richard Petrie

Michael Dunlop follows in the footsteps of dad Robert who rode a Norton

Michael Dunlop will evoke memories of his late father Robert's exploits on the rotary Norton when he competes for the British manufacturer at this year's major international road races.

The 21-year-old will hopefully race on a Norton NRV 588 machine at the North West 200 in May and definitely at the Isle of Man TT in June, almost 20 years after Robert's name became synonymous with the famous biking brand.

Robert rode in the distinctive black colours in the early 1990s, winning both Superbike races at the 1990 North West 200 and taking another big bike success on the north coast in 1991.

He also achieved a podium finish at the Isle of Man TT, finishing third behind fellow Norton rider Steve Hislop and Carl Fogarty in an epic 1992 Senior race, and was joint second in the British Superbike Championship aboard the bike.

Michael took an emotional 250cc win at last year's North West 200, taking to the track less than two days after the death of his father in a practice accident, and agreed to follow in his dad's wheeltracks when he signed a deal to ride the Norton bike in November.

He was taken aback by the degree of public interest in the project when he attended the launch of this year's TT in April.

"I didn't realise how big a deal the whole thing was until I brought the bike out of the back of the van and put the black leathers on.

"I couldn't believe how much people were interested and it is good to bring the bike back to the road races where my dad was so successful. Hopefully we can put up a good show at both events."

The legendary marque was recently brought back to the UK after 15 years stateside by bike enthusiast and owner of Norton Racing, Stuart Garner.

Robert Dunlop rode a Norton successfully in the early 1990s

"The Norton brand has been established over 100 years and it brings fantastic racing pedigree," said Garner.

"We are still in the early stages of our project but the lure of having a go at the TT was just too much to resist. The organisers kind of twisted our arm but I'll not be expecting too much.

"We have a great history to be proud of but also a young team on board so hopefully it will make a good combination.

"We are delighted to have Michael on board and that gives us real potential for the future.

"Norton won the very first TT in 1907 so we have an association with that event stretching back 102 years.

"It will probably take us at least two or three years to be competitive and get back on the pace but we will use this year as a learning year and then come back next year and again in 2011 with the aim of winning."

The 588cc Norton race bike has been developed over the last year by Brian Crighton and the Spondon engineering team.

The Norton team are responsible for some of the great TT moments and Isle of Man Minister for Tourism and Leisure Martyn Quayle is happy to see them back.

"Having Norton back in the TT is sensational news. It will truly be an notable occasion within the competition's history.

"They were a fabulous crowd pleaser and we have every confidence this will be the first of many successful races for the Norton team."

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