"I will not be taking part in the Bush races. I can no longer afford to pay entry fees. In the past, my dad always did everything in relation to entries but now I have to do it myself. I asked the organisers for a helping hand and they have refused" explained Dunlop whose father, of course, died so tragically in practice for last month's NW 200.
"As a matter of principle I'm sticking to my guns. After the final Isle of Man TT race I'm faced with a huge repair bill. I was chasing a big prize fund for the 250 race but the bike broke down towards the end and I've ended up in debt."
But John McKeown says the club are bound by their own rules and cannot make an exception, even if they wanted to do so.
"Since the club was formed it has been policy not to offer free entries and that also applies to our own club member. We're disappointed with Michael's attitude and hope that he has a rethink because he'll be most welcome. If we consider free entries then that would open the flood-gates.
"Michael's name is in the programme for three races - 125, 250 andbut we cannot be held to ransom by anybody. Entry fees have long been a bone of contention, I appreciate that the riders are having to pay to entertain the fans and that will not change until compulsory admission charges are introduced.
"At the moment the only circuit where admission charges are permitted is Dundrod under an act of parliament but we need that changed to include all public road circuits. Already we have started to lobby some MLAs and they do appear to be sympathetic.
"Even if everybody paid £5 along with £10 for a programme then we could consider lowering our entry fees but at the moment it's near enough a free show for the punters" added McKeown.
But, while one Dunlop will not be in action on Saturday, it's expected that his brother, William, will be taking part in several races at the Bush.
And, of course, the big attraction will the first-time participation of local hero Ryan Farquhar.



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