Northern Ireland’s much-loved sporting philanthropist, the late great Joey Dunlop, is to be honoured in a fascinating new documentary about his life both in and out of racing leathers — ‘No Ordinary Joe’.

The latest production is the brainchild of brothers Alwyn and Colin James, better known in racing circles as Waldovision, a production company acclaimed for their documentaries such as ‘Joey Dunlop Remembered’ and ‘How the North West Was Won’.

No Ordinary Joe offers never before seen footage of the Ballymoney man, with trips to the Kushitani Leathers factory in Japan — where Joey’s leather designs are still retained — and insightful personal interviews with the great road racer, making it a must for any motorcycling fan.

The DVD also includes tributes from Joey’s wife Linda and their children, with TT riders John McGuinness, Steve Parrish, Phillip McCallen, Brian Reid and Eddie Laycock reminiscing about the 26-time Isle of Man TT winner, who died in the Millennium year while competing in Estonia.

TAS Racing boss Hector Neill reflects on a rider he greatly admired and supported in the early years, along with the iconic voice of the TT, Richard Nichols, while Joey’s former boss at Rothmans Honda, Barry Symmons, adds his own take on the great man.

No Ordinary Joe also includes archive footage of Joey competing at the North West 200, Ulster Grand Prix and some national road races in the Republic of Ireland.

Never before published images from the Dunlop family private collection feature throughout, and there are also family reflections, deeply personal tributes and memories of Joey’s humanitarian work.

Some rib-tickling humour is thrown in, with stories of late night testing, frozen beans and a night spent on a fog-bound round-about.

BBC Sport presenter Stephen Watson, himself a self-confessed bike enthusiast, and close friend of the Dunlop family, is the narrator.

DVD extras include previously unseen interviews recounting anecdotes from Joey’s life, the recollections of World Superbike star Eugene Laverty and extended coverage of Linda’s Japanese visit, including a look around the Honda Museum.

No Ordinary Joe is made with the full co-operation and support of the Dunlop family and part of the proceeds go towards the Joey Dunlop Foundation.

Linda Dunlop and daughter Joanne as well as leading riders such as Phillip McCallen and racing figures Hector Neill, Peter Duke, Barry Symmons, Derek Mason and Jimmy Geddis attended a special screening of the excellent new production yesterday.

No Ordinary Joe promises to be a unique and informative addition to the Joey Dunlop legend, offering a special insight into the life of one of Northern Ireland’s favourite sons.


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