Tributes have flooded in for Isle of Man biker Dan Kneen after he was killed in a crash at the TT.
The 30-year-old Manx man was riding for Moneymore-based team Tyco BMW. He tragically died after coming off his motorcycle during a Superbike qualifying session on Wednesday evening. Kneen joined Tyco last November.
Dan made his mountain course debut at the Manx Grand Prix in 2008 and won three races – the Junior, the Newcomers C and the Ultra Lightweight MGP Races.
He gained his first TT podium in last year’s Superstock Race.
Dan’s father Richard released a statement on social media, thanking well-wishers for their support. He also passed on his thoughts to injured rider Stever Mercer while urging everyone to ‘think of the happy times’ of Dan Kneen’s life.
Hello everyone. Thank-you for your support at this sad time. Dan lived for his racing and wild horses wouldn’t have torn him away from it. I was happy for him; he was in his element and loving it.
My thoughts are for Leanne (Dan’s partner) and my other son Ryan and our whole family. Dan would want us to be strong and for the Tyco team to crack on – they have my full backing. Let’s think of the happy times with Dan and smile when you think of him. Thanks to the marshalls and medics and everyone involved.
“Thinking of Steve Mercer as well. Best wishes for all the other TT competitors. The TT show will go on.
RIP my son Daniel Richard Kneen, from DAD.
TAS racing Team Manager Philip Neill said they were are all numb.
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.
All of us involved with the International North West 200 are shocked and saddened to hear of the death of Manx Rider Dan Kneen during practice at the Isle of Man TT tonight.Our thoughts are with his partner Leanne, his family, team and friends. pic.twitter.com/UjgVHh3yff
— North West 200 (@northwest200) May 30, 2018
Ryan (Dan’s brother) said for me to share this video. It was going to be an outtakes clip for Xmas on TSP. I never imagined I’d use it this way. This is Dan Kneen through & through “smiler”. Gone but never forgotten. pic.twitter.com/9FVdO66f6d
— Jo Pack (@JoPack1) May 31, 2018
Our thoughts and prayers are with Dan Kneen family and friends tonight. God bless you Dan xx @dankneen14
— Padgetts Motorcycles (@PadgettsRacing1) May 30, 2018
