MCN’s top ten road racing riders: 8th

The 2014 road racing season promised to be a vintage year and it didn’t disappoint. The defection of Michael Dunlop from Honda to BMW during the winter set the tone for a year of change that saw new names push their way in amongst the established figures and make their mark in the sport. These are MCN’s pick of the top names and their standout achievements between the hedges in 2014. 

8^th William Dunlop

• Wins: 1
• Podiums: 2

William Dunlop’s recent seasons have been a game of musical chairs as he has moved from Honda to Yamaha before eventually settling with Tyco Suzuki for 2014. With the 600cc specialist taking his first major superbike victory in a last lap head to head battle against his brother Michael at the North West 200-and in wet conditions that he really dislikes- a lot of ghosts appeared to be laid to rest for the Ballymoney man.

Unfortunately, the injuries he sustained in a 140 mph crash during the Senior TT would prevent him from exploiting that new found confidence for much of the rest of the season.