The 20-year-old, who won an emotional 250cc race at the North West 200 in the wake of his legendary dad's tragic accident during practice for the north coast meeting, also plans to compete in the 125cc Ultra Lightweight and 250cc Lightweight TT races at Billown next Saturday.

It was originally anticipated that Michael would sit out the 2008 Isle of Man TT races to consider his future, however, his older brother William last night confirmed Michael had "put the bikes into the back of the van and left to catch the boat."

Speaking to the News Letter, William also revealed that Michael has no plans to scale down his road race appearances this season.

"Michael just left in the van with Ronnie Shields and we thought that he was only going to take the 125 and the 250 to ride at Billown, but he's away with the 600 as well," William said.

"Ronnie will give him a hand with the bikes when he's over there and it's Michael's decision to go and race. Once he's made his mind up, he's not likely to change it and it's a long way to go if you're not planning to race.

"I'd have felt better if he was just riding at Billown, but I'm sure he'll be alright. I think he'll just ride the 600 in both Supersport races because there's not much point in taking the 600 out in the Senior.

"I'm thinking about flying over myself with Paddy Flynn (sponsor) next Friday to watch the Senior TT and I'll maybe go and watch the 250 race at Billown as well."

In the aftermath of Robert's tragic death, the future of both Dunlop brothers was cast into doubt, but William will now compete in the 125cc British Championship this season (see pages 48-49), while Michael appears intent on focusing on his road racing career.

The latest practice session for the TT was hit by wet weather last night, with only a handful of solo machines venturing out onto the 37.73-mile Mountain circuit in the damp and overcast conditions.