Top level race team sponsor Milwaukee Tools has thrown in the towel in its bid to secure the services of Isle of Man TT star Michael Dunlop for 2014.

Dunlop parted company from Honda after a sensational season during which he won four TT races in a week.

As revealed in the News Letter last week, Milwaukee stepped up its efforts to sign the 24-year-old following his split from Neil Tuxworth’s TT Legends line-up and were prepared to make additional funds available to Shaun Muir’s Yamaha outfit to run Dunlop on the roads.

However, despite ‘much debate’, Milwaukee and Muir have decided they can no longer wait on Dunlop to finalise his plans for 2014 as speculation continues over whether or not the seven-time TT winner will take a year out from the sport.

Muir has already signed Yorkshire star Ian Hutchinson for the international road races next season, with new British Superbike rider Josh Brookes set to return to the North West 200 and Isle of Man TT following hugely impressive debuts at both events this year.

Milwaukee’s Commercial Director, Dale McElveen, said in a statement issued to the News Letter:

“Once Milwaukee knew Michael was available we wanted him on board and discussed this with Shaun [Muir] and offered to increase funding to make this happen.

“Michael is a perfect fit for the Milwaukee brand and would have been the perfect ambassador for our young and energetic brand. After much debate, we fully support Shaun in his decision that we have to move on as a team and cannot wait on Michael to decide what 2014 holds for him.

“We are certain that his option of a one-year sabbatical is a serious one and personal matters in his life are taking priority over all other matters including motorbikes,” McElveen added.

“We would welcome the opportunity to work with Michael in the future if the opportunity comes up. However, for 2014 we have two very capable riders in Josh [Brookes] and Ian [Hutchinson] and hold high hopes for both.”

Milwaukee and Tyco Suzuki have now finalised their 2014 line-ups, with William Dunlop confirmed on Tuesday alongside Guy Martin, who remained with Tyco Suzuki despite conjecture linking him with a switch to Honda.

Manx rider Conor Cummins is tipped to join John McGuinness at Honda next season, with Bruce Anstey staying in Clive Pagett’s team for a third year.


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