It's perhaps fitting that after 21 years, the name Dunlop will rise from the ashes like a phoenix and take its rightful place at next month's 45th Macau Motorcycle Grand Prix.
Fearless brothers William and Michael Dunlop will be competing alongside each other as they make their Macau debut on November 19 in a race that has a more poignant look to it this time.
What is significant is that William, 26, and younger brother Michael, 23, are the sons of the late Robert Dunlop and nephews of the late Joey Dunlop, two of Northern Ireland's greatest riders who died tragically as their careers were winding down.
Now, the two younger Dunlops are trying to step into their father and uncle's racing boots.
Robert Dunlop was one of the biggest names in motorcycle racing in an earlier era. He was also a winner of the Macau Motorcycle Grand Prix in 1989. Elder brother Joey, probably the most famous and best loved of all the Dunlops, also competed in Macau. In fact, both Robert and Joey raced in Macau together in 1990, with Robert finishing fourth and Joey taking ninth position.
Now a second generation of Dunlops will be out to keep up the good family name as the two brothers attempt to emulate the exploits of their famous father and uncle.
