Peter Hickman and Michael Dunlop shared the limelight in seven races during the 2023 Isle of Man TT, demonstrating their superior skills in an epic showdown. This year’s event will be remembered for their unparalleled dominance.
Hickman from Lincolnshire and Dunlop from Northern Ireland divided the eight solo victories between themselves, setting new records in lap speeds and race times, much to the delight of the tens of thousands of spectators. Their electrifying duels were a sight to behold, occurring under perfect conditions on the notoriously challenging road race circuits.
Their triumphs reaffirmed their status as the most impressive riders on the 37.73-mile Mountain Course, closely followed by Dean Harrison, whose consistent performances resulted in a second-place finish and five third places, raising his total podium finishes to 26.
Joey Dunlop’s all-time record of 26 wins is within Michael Dunlop’s grasp, as he’s just one win away from matching his uncle’s legendary achievement.
Hickman had an exceptional year, repeating his previous year’s feat of four victories, which he achieved upon the resumption of the TT races after a two-year break due to the Covid-19 pandemic. His overall wins now total 13.
Dunlop, on the other hand, regained his winning form, especially in the larger capacity 1000cc classes. He started the year setting unofficial lap records during qualifying, reflecting his renewed focus and determination. He clocked his fastest ever TT lap of 135.046mph while securing his first Superbike win since 2018. He added two Supersport victories to his record, taking his total in the category to 11, and marked his first ever 130mph lap in the middleweight class.
The week was not without its disappointments, as Dunlop was forced to retire from a Supertwins race while leading. Despite this, his performances overall, along with his Hawk Racing Honda and MD Racing teams, were commendable.
Hickman’s results, despite technical issues in the Superbike opening race, were equally remarkable. He made a comeback by setting a new lap record for the race at 135.455. He secured a decisive Superstock victory and set an absolute course lap record of 136.358 in Superstock race two on a production-based machine.
Hickman also made a mark in the Supersport Triumph, lapping over 130mph, and won the Supertwins race two on his PHR R7 Yamaha after mechanical failures sidelined Dunlop. The end-of-week Senior race was the ultimate battle, with Hickman ultimately taking the victory, with a quickest lap speed of 135.507 and improving the race record by 39 seconds.
Among other notable riders, Dean Harrison shone with his consistent podium finishes. However, Conor Cummins and Davey Todd’s performances were hampered by illness. Australian double British Superbike champion Josh Brookes, after a five-year absence, returned to stand on the podium, while James Hillier, John McGuinness, and Jamie Coward also had strong performances.
In the sidecar category, brothers Ben and Tom Birchall dominated, winning both races and extending their winning streak to 14. Along with Peter Founds and Jevan Walmsley, they made history by lapping the circuit at over 120mph, a first for the ‘three-wheeler’ crews.
6 comments
Woww… what a race, Hickman and Dunlop really tore up the track. Dunlop is almost at his uncle’s record, so close!!
This years Isle of man TT was just amazing, dunlop and hickman both were on fire. The sidecar races were pretty intense too. Great stuff overall!!!
I cant even imagine going 130mph on a supersport, these guys are nuts… in the best way possible!
Love seeing this level of competition, gets the adrenaline pumping just reading about it. kudos to Hickman and Dunlop, absolute legends!!
I gotta say… Hats off to both riders. Such intense races and so much talent on show. Roll on next year’s TT, Can’t wait!
These guys, they’re not just racers… they’re gladiators. And that mountain course… pure madness! But what a spectacle it is…