Another chapter of Isle of Man TT history was written on Tuesday evening when Michael Dunlop powered to victory in the Metzeler Supertwin race, claiming his 31st career TT win and setting a new all-time record for TT podium finishes with 48, surpassing the previous benchmark of 47 held by legendary racer John McGuinness MBE.
Riding his MD Racing Paton, Dunlop was in a class of his own, clocking a fastest lap of 122.610mph. He crossed the line 22.6 seconds ahead of local favourite Michael Evans, who secured an emotional runner-up finish for Dafabet Racing Kawasaki — his first ever podium at the TT. Rounding out the top three was Rob Hodson, riding for SMT Racing on a Paton, also achieving his maiden trip to the TT rostrum.
Weather Delays and Early Drama
With damp conditions affecting the course earlier in the day, the race was postponed to a 7:45 p.m. start, and officials decided to shorten it from its traditional three laps to just two — increasing the pressure on riders to perform without mistakes.
Although Paul Jordan (Jackson Racing powered by Prosper2 Aprilia) led the field away in the number one start position, it was Dunlop who set the early pace, taking the lead through Glen Helen on the first lap. He had already opened up a 2.2-second gap on Evans at that point, with Mike Browne (KMR/Jack Reid Cars Kawasaki) hot on their heels in third, just 0.6 seconds further back.
Behind them, Davey Todd (Milenco by Padgett’s Paton), Stefano Bonetti (VAS Engine Racing Paton), and Rob Hodson were jostling for position in fourth through sixth. In a notable early exit, Browne retired from the race shortly afterward, pulling out at Douglas Road Corner near Kirk Michael.
Dunlop Turns the Screw
As the field pushed through Ballaugh Bridge, Dunlop had already more than doubled his lead to 5.9 seconds. By the time they reached Ramsey Hairpin on the northern stretch of the island, his advantage had grown to 9.3 seconds, and he was now physically closing in on Evans on the road.
Todd continued to hold third, only 2.7 seconds off Evans, but with Hodson just one second behind and closing fast. Dominic Herbertson (Melbray Racing Paton) and Bonetti followed in fifth and sixth.
Climbing the Mountain section for the first time, Dunlop overtook Evans on the road and began to edge away. He ended lap one with a time of 122.006mph, extending his lead to 10.7 seconds. Evans responded with a 120.837mph lap of his own to stay in touch. Todd, still in third, lapped at 119.836mph, with Hodson just behind at 119.686mph. Jordan and Herbertson were also close behind with laps in the 119mph range.
In the chasing group, Bonetti maintained seventh, followed by Adam McLean (Flitwick Motorcycles/SMV Yamaha), Barry Furber (DC Motorcycles Newtown Yamaha), and TT veteran Michael Rutter (Bathams AJN Racing Yamaha).
Dunlop Clinches Victory and a Place in the Record Books
On the second and final lap, Dunlop continued to increase the pressure, stretching his lead over Evans to 13.6 secondsby Glen Helen. Meanwhile, the fight for the final podium spot intensified as Hodson moved into third ahead of Todd, who began to lose ground. By Ballaugh, Hodson had widened the gap to 3.2 seconds over the Milenco rider, and the margin continued to grow as the race progressed.
Dunlop, now with clean air ahead, relentlessly built his advantage sector by sector. By the time he passed Ramsey for the final time, his lead had grown to a commanding 17.9 seconds. He closed out the race with a blistering second lap of 122.610mph, sealing both the race victory and his place atop the TT history books.
Evans finished a proud second on his 32nd birthday, recording a best lap of 121.306mph in the process. Hodson held off a hard-charging Paul Jordan to claim third with a lap of 121.020mph, edging Jordan’s 121.032mph by just 1.7 seconds — one of the closest battles of the race.
Todd ended the race in fifth with a final lap of 120.224mph, while Herbertson moved up to sixth with a strong 120.408mph. The remainder of the top ten included McLean, Bonetti, Furber, and Rutter, all delivering solid performances in a fast-paced, competitive race.
Michael Dunlop’s latest triumph not only adds to his remarkable legacy at the TT but confirms his status as the most successful rider in the event’s history. With more races still to come, the question now is not whether he’ll add to his tally — but how high he can go.
Photos: Isle of Man TT Races
