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Full Throttle: Robert Dunlop, road racing and me
‘There were always just the two of them, Robert and Liam, and there wasn’t one weekend when Robert went racing that Liam wasn’t with him. They were a formidable force, and Robert only needed Liam in his corner, he didn’t need anyone else.’
Louise Dunlop, Robert’s wife.
Liam Beckett wears many hats – plumber, footballer, manager, pundit, broadcaster and Black Santa. But it is perhaps as Robert Dunlop’s mentor and mechanic that he is best known. When he offered a young Robert the use of a workshop at his house back in 1988, he didn’t realise that it would mark the start of an extraordinarily successful working relationship that would last until Robert’s tragic death at the NW200 in 2008.
Now, for the first time, Liam talks candidly about their incredible partnership – the struggle to get Robert to believe in himself; the long nights spent fettling the bikes; life on the road and in the paddock; and Dunlop’s determination to race and to win, often in the face of unthinkable adversity. From the North West 200 and the Ulster Grand Prix, to the Isle of Man TT and the racing in Macau, Liam was with Robert every step of the way – and this is the remarkable story of a life lived at full throttle, told in Liam’s inimitable style.
Including many intimate behind-the-scenes photos of Robert Dunlop, this riveting book is not to be missed.
Louise Dunlop, Robert’s wife.
Liam Beckett wears many hats – plumber, footballer, manager, pundit, broadcaster and Black Santa. But it is perhaps as Robert Dunlop’s mentor and mechanic that he is best known. When he offered a young Robert the use of a workshop at his house back in 1988, he didn’t realise that it would mark the start of an extraordinarily successful working relationship that would last until Robert’s tragic death at the NW200 in 2008.
Now, for the first time, Liam talks candidly about their incredible partnership – the struggle to get Robert to believe in himself; the long nights spent fettling the bikes; life on the road and in the paddock; and Dunlop’s determination to race and to win, often in the face of unthinkable adversity. From the North West 200 and the Ulster Grand Prix, to the Isle of Man TT and the racing in Macau, Liam was with Robert every step of the way – and this is the remarkable story of a life lived at full throttle, told in Liam’s inimitable style.
Including many intimate behind-the-scenes photos of Robert Dunlop, this riveting book is not to be missed.
176 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 5, 2016
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
May 18, 2016
This is a down to earth and honest memoir which is as much, if not more about the bonds of friendship, as it is about motorcycle racing.
It is hilariously funny at parts, especially the first half. Reading it on a train was a mistake as I found myself roaring with laughter at the antics of Liam and Robert, scaring nearby passangers. I've had an interest in racing all my life, but was a young child during Roberts early career and remember nothing about it, so I found this section particularly interesting.
Unfortunately we know the ending before we open the book, but this doesn't make reading it any less heartbreaking. Several deaths have made me question if this is really a sport I want to follow. Roberts was certainly one of them. (I was reading this book during and in the immediate aftermate of the 2016 NW200, when another bright young life was tragically lost and unfortunately I found myself asking the question again.) As Liam says "The stark reality of the risks taken by every road racer and the consequences of what can happen when things go wrong really hit home hard".
It is hilariously funny at parts, especially the first half. Reading it on a train was a mistake as I found myself roaring with laughter at the antics of Liam and Robert, scaring nearby passangers. I've had an interest in racing all my life, but was a young child during Roberts early career and remember nothing about it, so I found this section particularly interesting.
Unfortunately we know the ending before we open the book, but this doesn't make reading it any less heartbreaking. Several deaths have made me question if this is really a sport I want to follow. Roberts was certainly one of them. (I was reading this book during and in the immediate aftermate of the 2016 NW200, when another bright young life was tragically lost and unfortunately I found myself asking the question again.) As Liam says "The stark reality of the risks taken by every road racer and the consequences of what can happen when things go wrong really hit home hard".
September 9, 2018
This book was recommended as a good companion to Michael Dunlop's so I thought would be of interest. Although lacking some of the detail of Dunlop's, what shines through is how resilient Robert Dunlop and the whole family are.
December 8, 2018
Fantastic and Heartbreaking
Amazing book didn't want to put it down. Made me laugh and cry absolutely loved it. Well worth a read.
Amazing book didn't want to put it down. Made me laugh and cry absolutely loved it. Well worth a read.
December 26, 2019
Loved this book but parts of it were hard going made me very upset at times RIP Robert
October 2, 2023
Excellent
I love hearing behind the scene stories from people that were there first hand,not hand me down tales. This book is loaded with them!
I love hearing behind the scene stories from people that were there first hand,not hand me down tales. This book is loaded with them!
August 13, 2024
Absolutely loved this book, only one criticism,it wasn't long enough.
December 2, 2016
Super read
A great read for the ones who thought there was only one famous Dunlop who could ride. A proper tribute to a talented and determined rider who was a good a rider as any. Thoroughly enjoyed it.
A great read for the ones who thought there was only one famous Dunlop who could ride. A proper tribute to a talented and determined rider who was a good a rider as any. Thoroughly enjoyed it.
July 12, 2016
Lovely book
A great read with some nice memories from the author. Some parts brought a tear to the eye.what a tough character Robert was.
A great read with some nice memories from the author. Some parts brought a tear to the eye.what a tough character Robert was.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews