Michael Dunlop and Valentino Rossi shared a racetrack this week in Tavullia, Italy. They were both taking part in Rossi’s famous 100km of Champions event, an annual race at his private ranch that brings together top riders from different series.

TT Stars Join the Fun

Rossi’s event always attracts big names, but this year felt special with Dunlop and fellow Isle of Man TT rider Davey Todd joining the mix. The two road racing stars added a unique twist to a lineup that already included MotoGP talents like Francesco Bagnaia, Luca Marini, and Marco Bezzecchi.

Dunlop and Rossi were on track together for practice on Thursday, but this wasn’t their first encounter. The two had previously ridden side-by-side at Silverstone last summer, thanks to Monster Energy. That day left a big impression on John McGuinness, another TT legend, who said Rossi pushed him to his fastest-ever lap at Silverstone.

“This little fella from Italy came steaming past me,” McGuinness said. “It was Valentino Rossi. I thought, ‘He’s pretty fast; I’ll try to keep up.’ He dragged me around to my fastest lap ever. I was just hanging on for dear life!”

Rossi’s History with the TT

Rossi himself has long admired the Isle of Man TT. He visited the famous course in 2009 and completed a few practice laps. Afterward, he admitted he was blown away by the track’s difficulty and speed.

“The lap is incredible,” Rossi said. “It’s so dangerous and fast. To go flat out on a Superbike around this road is unbelievable. You need a lot of courage!”

Fun at the Ranch

This weekend in Tavullia is much more relaxed. Dunlop, Todd, and other riders are enjoying the mix of competition and camaraderie. On Thursday, Rossi said everyone had a great time during the first practice session. “We finished the first day at the ranch, and it was very good,” he said. “Everyone had fun and looked fast.”

The 100km of Champions officially began on Friday and continues through Saturday, with exciting races, including the Americana event. Last year, Luca Marini took the win in the Americana, and he’ll be racing again alongside Pedro Acosta and Ryan Vickers.

For Dunlop and Todd, it’s a chance to repay Rossi’s visit to the Isle of Man TT, this time on his home turf. For fans, it’s a rare opportunity to see two racing legends from very different worlds come together.