Tyco BMW rider Dan Kneen has tragically been killed following a crash around the Churchtown area of the TT course.
The Isle Of Man TT organisers have issued the following statement.
ACU Events Ltd regrets to confirm that Dan Kneen, 30, from Onchan in the Isle of Man died this evening following injuries sustained during the Superbike qualifying session on the Isle of Man.
Dan had an accident at Churchtown on the first lap of the session and died at the scene of the incident.
Dan made his mountain course debut at the Manx Grand Prix in 2008 and won an unprecedented three races – the Junior, the Newcomers C and the Ultra Lightweight MGP Races.
He achieved his first TT podium in last year’s Superstock Race, finishing third in the Superstock TT Race. He has a fastest official lap of 130.347mph which he set in last year’s Superstock Race and recorded a lap of 132.258mph (17:06.994) in last night’s Superbike qualifying session.
ACU Events Ltd wishes to pass on their deepest sympathy to Dan’s partner Leanne, his family and his many friends in the road racing community and beyond.
At the recent NW200, Tyco BMW manager Philip Neill told FUSE FM Ballymoney that Dan along with team mates Alastair Seeley and Michael Dunlop could be strong contenders for Glen Irwin in the NW200 Superbike race. Philip also praised Dan for his recent efforts at Tandragee 100.
Reacting to Dan’s death, Phillip said;
“We are all numb at the minute if I’m truly honest. Dan had settled in superbly well here at Tyco BMW, as his previous results have shown, and having set his best-ever lap time around the TT Circuit just last night, he proved his credentials as a potential winner this year. Our thoughts tonight though, are not about racing, but with Dan’s family and friends. He was a popular hard working lad who loved his racing and he will be sorely missed by all that knew him, and that includes everyone at TAS Racing.”
Liam Beckett also tweeted on Dan’s death.
Everyone at FUSE FM Ballymoney are saddened at this news in particular our motorsport photographer Chris Shaw who snapped Dan at this years NW200. After hearing of his death, Chris said;
“I am deeply saddened at his passing and can’t believe just a couple of weeks ago I asked to take his picture.”
