The Joey Dunlop Trophy, awarded annually to the Irish Motorcyclist of the Year, has become the most coveted piece of silverware which can be collected by exponents of two-wheel motorsport sport away from the racetracks.
The January gala ceremony in Belfast is a highlight of the motorcycling calendar which brings together top competitors, teams and race organisers from across Ireland and beyond to celebrate the achievements of the past 12 months.
Michael Dunlop, Glenn Irwin and Jonathan Rea are amongst the frontrunners who cold pick up the trophy at the infamous gala event in Belfast this Friday night.
The frontrunner for the top accolade is Michael Dunlop, who clinched a remarkable fourth Isle of Man TT four-timer of his career to become the most successful rider in the history of the event with 29 wins.
The 35-year-old took victory in both Supersport races and the two Supertwins events in June 2024 to surpass the previous record tally of 26 accumulated by his revered late uncle Joey. The Ballymoney rider has won six Supersport races in a row and a record 13 in total.
Dunlop also set a new lap record for the Superbike class, lapping the 37.73-mile Mountain Course at 135.970mph. Dunlop was previously named Irish Motorcyclist of the Year in January 2015 after a successful 2024 season.
Elsewhere, Michael was competing at nine-time world champion Valentino Rossi’s Tavullia ranch for the Italian superstar’s annual 100km of Champions flat track event.
Partnering up with MotoGP star Pedro Acosta, the pair finished last in the exhibition event with Moreira and Chareyre winning the event.
