North West 200: ‘Do I need to be here?’ – Dunlop battles pain to end winless run

After that race, Dunlop said he would keep his “head down and keep going”.

He did just that. While it was a last-lap dash for his first win, the following race was a much more controlled performance.

He was aided by Alastair Seeley not being on the grid with a mechanical issue, and contender Peter Hickman skipping a chicane on the opening lap.

Todd looked to have pulled away out front, but Dunlop reeled him in and an issue at University corner saw the 8TEN rider miss his braking on the penultimate lap.

Although Dean Harrison piled on the pressure, he had no answer and Dunlop came home in first place with a couple of seconds in hand.

“I’ve proved tonight I’m still fast. It’s great, I knew it was going to be hard and I knew that race was going to be hot and heavy,” Dunlop added.

“The boys have worked hard to get everything ready, I appreciate it. I haven’t won in a long time and it was a kick in the face, so to win again is another weight off my shoulders.

“I’ve not come here fully fit for a long time, but we’ve overcome it and won two races tonight.”

Twenty-five years after his passing, this year’s North West 200 has been one of celebration of the life and legacy of the legendary Joey Dunlop, who Michael surpassed to claim the Isle of Man TT record last year.

But on Thursday night it was time for Michael, Joey’s nephew, to bask in his success as the sun set on the north coast of Northern Ireland.

With six more races to come on Saturday, he might not be finished yet.