Ballymoney road race star Michael Dunlop will break with years of family tradition and ride using a Shoei X-Spirit II crash helmet this season.

Twenty-three year-old Dunlop already has three TT wins under his belt in the 600cc and Supersport classes. Now he has his sights firmly set on snatching the Superbike TT title and becoming the first rider to topple new team-mate John McGuinness’ nine-year premier class reign.

“I’m really looking forward to this year’s racing. It’s a big opportunity for me and I want to grab it with both hands and see what I can make of it,” said Dunlop. “I have a winning machine and tyre package and now with the confidence that comes from wearing Shoei, I can concentrate on the day job of winning races.”