AROUND 400 motorcyclists paid tribute to Joey Dunlop on the 10th anniversary of his death in the way they know best - by completing a lap of the TT course.
Enthusiasts from the Island and beyond - including 2002 Lightweight 400 TT winner Richard 'Milky' Quayle and Manx Radio TT broadcaster Chris Kinley - took part in last night's event which started from the TT Grandstand.
The event raised money for the Joey Dunlop Foundation.
One of the greatest ever names in motorcycle racing, Joey, from Ballymoney, Northern Ireland, died following a crash at a road race in Estonia on July 2 2000.
Just weeks earlier, at the age of 48, he had notched up a hat-trick of wins at the Isle of Man TT, bringing his total number of TT wins to 26.
Joey's total is yet to be beaten - John McGuinness, who is the second most successful rider at the TT ever, has 15 victories to his name.
Fan Ian Bradshaw, of St Helens, came over to the Island especially to take part in the lap.
He rode a Honda with the same livery Joey had in the Formula One TT in 2000, the legend's last big bike win round the Island and what many consider to be his greatest victory. Ian also had replica leathers and helmet, all down to the finest detail.
In the past Ian has done a charity push bike ride in the Island to raise money for the Joey Dunlop Foundation.
'The guy was an absolute star,' said Ian about his unassuming hero.
Local rider Juan Cregeen, 40, of Ballasalla, rode his Aprilia motorcycle for the tribute lap.
A keen photographer, he has had his TT photos published in road racing publications.
Motorcyclists donated £10 each to the Joey Dunlop Foundation to take part in the lap of the course.
The money raised goes towards the visitors' accommodation for disabled people that the charity has established in Braddan.
The facility was officially opened by Joey's widow Linda Dunlop and John McGuinness on Mad Sunday at this year's TT.
Chairman of the Joey Dunlop Foundation Kevin Quirk said he had expected about 100 motorcylists to take part in the lap and was clearly delighted with the turn out.
And while the event raised money for the charity, it also showed just how popular Joey Dunlop remains among motorcycle racing fans in the Isle of Man and around the world.
All photos by John Gregory
