Full Throttle - Robert, Road Racing And Me

Louise Dunlop, Robert’s wife.

Liam Beckett wears many hats – plumber, footballer, manager, pundit, broadcaster and Black Santa.

But it is perhaps as Robert Dunlop’s mentor and mechanic that he is best known. When he offered a young Robert the use of a workshop at his house back in 1988, he didn’t realise that it would mark the start of a hugely successful working relationship that would last until Robert’s tragic death at the North West 200 in 2008.

Now, for the first time, Liam talks candidly about their incredible road racing journey – the struggle to get Robert to believe in himself; the long nights spent fettling the bikes; life on the road and in the paddock; and Dunlop’s determination to race and to win, often in the face of unthinkable adversity.

From the North West 200 and the Ulster Grand Prix, to the Isle of Man TT and the racing in Macau, Liam was with Robert every step of the way. This is the story of an extraordinary partnership, told in Liam’s inimitable style.

Including many intimate behind-the-scenes photos, this riveting book is not to be missed.

“The book will be split between football and motor bikes,” said the BBC Radio Ulster pundit.

“I’ve been very very lucky because I’ve had a great life in sport and I’ve been very lucky because many of the teams I played for were good sides and I won all the major medals I could have, so there are an awful lot of stories which goes along with that.

“All my years being involved in sport I’ve met some amazing people and I’m very fortunate that I’ve become friends with lots of people from different sports like the Frampton’s.

“You meet some incredible people but I’ve also met some less savoury characters as well and I’ll be telling that in the book.”

Now’s your chance to get your hands on one of the most anticipated books of the year.

To winone of three copies of ‘Full Throttle’ simply tell us what Radio Station Liam works as a pundit for?

Send your answers to Coleraine/Ballymoney Times, 5 Stone Row, Coleraine, BT52 1EP by Monday 16 May.

You can also email your answers to [email protected]

Normal competition rules apply. Good Luck!