Michael Dunlop has paid a tribute to his lege꧙ndary uncle J🔥oey after receiving an award for his Isle of Man TT exploits.

Communities Minister Gordon L🦋yons hosted a reception at Parliament Buildings in Belfast on Monday to credit Dunlop.

Thi😼s year, Dunlop set a new record for the most race wins in Isle of Man TT history.

His 29th victory was particularly emotional because he ed🌳ged the record previously set by Joey Dunlop, his unc♉le who died 24 years ago in a road racing accident.

The record had stood since 2000.

But Dunlop won four times at 🔯this year’s TT, twice 🦩apiece on the Supersport and Supertwin machines.

He also set a new🧔 135mph lap record in the Superbike race.

as he received adulation: “In this job it’s hard to be recognised and it’s fantastic to be here.

“It’s because of the TT and that’s the long and short of it, and the TT is just a fantastic eveꦗnt.

“When you look at 🔴it, Joey was 48 when he got his last three wins and I don’t know if I’ll ever get to that point, but to get the record was the be all and end all because Joey was the biggest name ever in road racing to a degree and the greatest road racer of all time."

Dunlop is currently 35 years old.

He continued: “To be in the same boat as Jo🐬ey and bꦕreak that record left me as the best TT rider of all time and that was always the goal that I wanted to achieve.”

Minister Lyons said: “I am delighted to mark Michael’s incredible🌼 success at the 2024 Isle of Man TTꦚ.

“The skill and courage of the racerꦜs as they reach speeds of over 220mph are remarkable and this year Michael also set a new lap record of 135mph during the Superbike race.

“I have no doubt 🐟that as Michael moves forward in his career, more success will follow.

“His passi🙈on and commitment make him a great ambassador for the sport and an inspirꦚation to new generations of road racers.”