Michael Dunlop closes in on 100th Isle of Man TT start as 2026 event begins
The 2026 Isle of Man TT Races get underway today, with Michael Dunlop on the verge of joining an elite group of riders to achieve 100 starts on the infamous Mountain Course.
When the Ballymoney rider lines up for the second Supersport race of the week, he will become only the seventh competitor in the history of the event to reach the century milestone.
Dunlop made his debut in the Superbike TT back in 2007 under intense pressure to continue his family’s legendary legacy. He secured his maiden victory just two years later in the second Supersport race of 2009. Since that first win, Dunlop has only gone two years without adding to his tally, which occurred in 2010 and 2015.
In 2024, Dunlop broke his uncle Joey’s long-standing record for the most TT race victories. Following six additional wins across recent campaigns, his total tally stands at 33 victories heading into the 2026 race week.
His strongest prospects for further success remain in the Supersport category, where he holds a record 15 class wins. Dunlop returns to the grid aboard the Ducati Panigale V2, aiming to extend his winning streak in the class to ten consecutive victories.
Dunlop has also been the benchmark in the Supertwin division, winning all but two races since 2018, with his only defeats caused by mechanical retirements. He faces a new technical challenge this year following the introduction of Sportbike rules to the Lightweight category, which saw Yamaha R7 and Aprilia 660 machinery hold the upper hand at the recent North West 200.
In the big bike classes, Dunlop’s machinery choices remain a focal point. After initially announcing plans to ride a Ducati Panigale V4 R in the Superbike class, he reverted to a Honda Fireblade for the North West 200 to allow for further development. Should he choose to campaign the Ducati, he will be attempting to become the first rider ever to win a Superbike or Senior TT for the Italian manufacturer.
In the Superstock category, Dunlop will utilize BMW machinery, carrying momentum from a sequence of five consecutive podium finishes in the class. He faces stiff competition across all categories this week from regular rivals Peter Hickman and Dean Harrison.
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