Milwaukee boss denies Dunlop deal

Milwaukee Yamaha boss Shaun Muir has moved to squash speculation that a deal has been done for ex-Honda TT star Michael Dunlop to join Josh Brookes and Ian Hutchinson in his road racing line-up next season.

“We will be unveiling our roads and BSB team next week with the riders we have already signed for 2014 and that is our priority.” Muir explained today.
“We have no deal with Michael Dunlop.”

Rumours have been rife that four-time 2013 TT winner Dunlop, whose split with Honda was exclusively revealed by MCN yesterday, was about to sign for the Guisborough based Yamaha squad.

Obviously concerned that his new team’s imminent unveiling might be overshadowed by speculation about any tie-up with the Ballymoney rider, Muir was at great pains to emphasize there was, as yet, no Dunlop deal.

Muir didn’t deny that Milwaukee were interested in talking to the world’s Number One road racer about his future and he admitted that he might be prepared to consider a deal for the 24 year old to run a satellite team alongside the official squad if there was sufficient budget.

“Any team would be interested in Michael Dunlop.” Muir said.

“I have spoken to Gary Ryan (one of Dunlop’s personal sponsors) and I know what their wishlist is- a Superbike, a Supersport machine and a couple of mechanics- which they would run under the Michael Dunlop Racing banner. But what they want and what we can do are two very different things.” he explained.

“We have a budget that we have to work to and the discussion hasn’t taken place yet.” he added. “But we are nowhere near making an agreement.”

“At the moment I am concentrating on getting Ian and Josh sorted for 2014.” Muir emphasized once again.

“They are our riders for the roads and we will have both of them at the North West 200 and TT and Ian will be racing at the Ulster Grand Prix.”