Dunlop gets PBM Kawasaki for 2011
Michael Dunlop will ride a factory-prepared Paul Bird Motorsport Kawasaki on the 2011 Isle of Man TT, North West 200 and in the Ulster Grand Prix, it has been announced.
Dunlop, son of Robert Dunlop and nephew of Joey Dunlop - both hugely successful road racers - will compete as part of the World Superbike contending PBM Kawasaki team in both the Superbike and Superstock classes for the trio of events.
Keen to build on form that saw him claim two second positions and one third during last year's TT, Dunlop opted for the reassurance of a factory-backed team having been chased by the likes of Relentless by TAS Suzuki.
"I'm grateful to Paul (Bird) for giving me this opportunity - it's great to be riding for a factory team and have my own people on board again too," Dunlop told the BBC
"There's no reason why I can't win big bike races on this bike and make a name for myself by following in the footsteps of my dad Robert and uncle Joey," he added.
Dunlop will also compete at Supersport level, albeit on a Yamaha.
