Dogged motorcycle champion who overcame injuries to resume his pursuit of glory

Robert Dunlop, who died during a practice session on 15 May, 2008, was a revered motorcycle racer who, despite living in the shadow of his older brother Joey Dunlop, enjoyed great success of his own and overcame serious injuries which might have ended the career of a lesser man.

Mr Dunlop began racing professionally in 1981 when his brother was already an established rider in some of the sport's most demanding events. During the decade he notched up several notable wins, including several at the Isle of Man TT, setting new lap records in the process.

A high-speed crash in 1994 nearly ended his career and even his life, but after three years of gruelling recovery, he returned to ...