Birthday boy William Dunlop, who celebrated his 23rd on Wednesday, is hoping that this weekends Faugheen Road Races near Carrick-on -Suir, will bring him the same success of the 2007 meeting, as Dunlop tries for his first four-stroke win at the tight and twisty circuit.
In last years meeting, Dunlop scored his first race victory at Faugheen when he took Paddy Flynns 250 Honda to the chequered flag in the Junior race, and then followed that up with two runner up spots in the Supersport 600 races, with another runner up sport behind Ryan Farquhar in the Grand Final just for good measure.
After a poor showing at Oulton Park in last weeks British 125 Championship race, Dunlop is keen to get back onto the winning train again, and he is confident that another sucess in at least one race is a reality.
"Last weekend's BSB meeting at Oulton Park was a disaster for me, and I could not wait to get away from the place. I was riding one of the KCR Honda's for Mark Kneen, and to say she was slow would have been an understatement," said Dunlop.
"The best that I could get out of the bike was 17th place, and I was embarrassed to be honest. I am due to ride it again at Knockhill in the next round, but if things don't improve with the bike, I'll not be there.
"I am really looking forward to Faugheen this week where I will have PJ Flynn's 250 Honda and Chris Dowds Supersport 600 and Superstock R1 Yamaha's. We will not have the use of the Superbike as it has been causing some problems, and Chris wants me to ride the Stock bike just to see if that makes any difference, or maybe its a case of just me.
"PJ Flynn's 250 Honda is going really well and I would like to think that we have a good chance in the Junior 250 race on her, and Chris's 600 Yamaha is going really well also, so I will be well equipped. There is the small matter of Ryan Farquhar and Keith Amor to take into consideration, and if I am to get to the top of the podium, I will have to beat both of them first. Still, I am looking forward to the challenge."
