Joey Dunlop: The Definitive Biography of the Greatest Road Racer

by Stuart Barker

Joey Dunlop's story is one of the towering triumphs and desperate tragedies in almost equal measure.

Born poor- dirt poor- with no running water and no electricity, he was the definition of the everyman hero, earning the title 'King of the Roads' in what must be considered one of the world's most dangerous sports- motorcycle road racing. He remains the most loved and most successful road racer of all time. Arguably the greatest triumph in his thirty-one year career came at the Isle of Man in 2000, when, grey-haired, bespectacled, and approaching fifty years old, he defeated a whole new generation of talent and regained the F1 crown for the first time in twelve years.

But in road racing, tragedy is never very far away. Joey lost his life in a racing accident in July 2000. It was just weeks after his final TT victory. More than 60,000 people attended Joey's funeral. The sport has never truly recovered from his loss.

Everyone with an interest in motorcycling knows the legend of Joey Dunlop but now, for the first time, they can get to know the man himself. The definitive new biography is the most comprehensive ever written on the man. In turns hilarious, triumphant and tragic, this is Joey Dunlop's story as it has never been told before- by those who were part of it.

Genres: Biography

360 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2021

About the author

Stuart Barker was born in Galloway, Scotland and graduated from Strathclyde University in 1996. A lifelong motor racing fan, he worked at Motor Cycle News, first as a news reporter then as a feature writer and road tester. After four years, he became a freelance writer and has been published in many magazines including FHM, Superbike, Two Wheels Only and Biker. He has co-written books with Niall Mackenzie and Steve Hislop and wrote a bestselling biography of the late Barry Sheene.

Reviews

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

If I could give this a 4.5* rating I would. The last chapter was such an emotional read it nearly had me in tears, something I rarely find reading non fiction. As for the rest of the book, it gave a real insight into Joey Dunlop's character. It was also fascinating to read about Joey's relationship with Honda and his career trajectory, especially later on when others were starting to write him off. And I liked the way the author used quotes from Joey, his family, friends and colleagues, as they really brought the pages to life.

It did take me a little while to get my head around the technical aspects of the bikes Joey rode and the book seemed to repeat itself in places. But all in all a biography I'm so glad I've read.

[Jurgita · Rating 5 out of 5]

I knew that I will like Stuart Barker's writing style. I enjoyed his Ragged Edge a lot and was curious to see what else he has written. It also tied nicely with it. Continuing my IOM TT streak.
Despite it being full of dates, names and technical terms, the book was very readable for a complete novice in the subject like me. And even though the book maily follows J. Dunlop as a professional racer, you get the glimpse of what kind of person he was. Tbh, I was not looking to the last chapter of the book. I couldn't read it without tearing up. And it still makes me feel sad thinking about it.
All in all it's a great book that tells life story of an exceptional person and the gone by time in road racing.

[Jo Cleobury · Rating 5 out of 5]

An absolute legend, Joey Dunlop.

[Russell Wardle · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a book ,what a biography,what a guy . This book is a must read for all motorsports fans these people are incredible the things they endure for there sport is jaw dropping. There will never be anyone else like Joey the man was a legend all I can say is what guy

[Diane · Rating 4 out of 5]

A giant of the sport and an absolute gentleman. There will never be another Joey 💙

[Sean Cooney · Rating 5 out of 5]

The greatest road racer of all time, a humble and modest Irish champion of the World, a fantastic read.