Hawk Racing’s challenge for honours at the 2023 Isle of Man TT Races got off to a stunning start on Sunday, with victory for Michael Dunlop in the RST Superbike TT on board the Hawk Racing Honda.

Dunlop - who is spearheading Hawk’s road racing campaign this year - set a blistering pace to begin with a new record time for a lap from a standing start, averaging 134.519mph.

He never looked back from that early benchmark, continuing to lead from the front throughout the six laps and holding off a late surge from Peter Hickman to take a famous win.

It was a superb result for everyone at Hawk Racing in an event that attracts attention from around the motor racing world, not least because of its extraordinary 37.7 mile circuit around the island’s public roads. It is the sixth time Hawk has taken a win at the TT, all of them with Dunlop on board.

For Dunlop himself, the success brings him level with John McGuiness as the TT’s joint-second most successful rider on 23 titles, only behind his legendary uncle Joey Dunlop on 26.

Steve Hicken, team manager, said:

“This win is a huge moment for Hawk Racing. We’ve worked really hard as a team to deliver the best bike we can, and knew we had a chance after Michael put in a great performance in qualifying. But to go as fast as he did over the six laps of the race is an incredible achievement. We’ll enjoy the moment but quickly get our heads down and aim for another good result on Saturday.”

Stuart Hicken, team principal, said:

“The Isle of Man TT has always been important to us, ever since we set up Hawk Racing back in 1999. It’s just a very special event, unlike anything else you’ll find around the world, and competing here is the pinnacle for road racing. Michael is a terrific rider and I’m absolutely delighted that we’ve again formed a winning combination.”

Hawk and Dunlop next team up in Saturday’s Milwaukee Senior TT, when they will be aiming for further success.