By Manxman Dan Kneen is stepping into the Tyco BMW fold, for the MCE Insurance Ulster Grand Prix, replacing the injured Ian Hutchinson.
Enjoying an impressive season on BMW machinery with the Penz 13.com and DTR teams, the 2014 Irish road race Superbike champion is ideally placed to gel quickly with the factory backed TAS Racing run BMW’s.
Photo’s courtesy of Rachel McFarlane
One of the standout roads competitors of the past month, winning on his debut at Imatra, plus becoming the second fastest rider in history at the Southern 100, Dan is delighted to have been given the opportunity to pilot the Tyco BMW’s, he stated:
“First of all, it’s nice to be asked to ride for Tyco BMW. Obviously, the opportunity has come up, due to Hutchy’s injury, so I’d like to take this opportunity to wish him all the best with his recovery.
It’s also nice to be given the chance on merit, because of the results I’ve been getting recently and how I’m riding.
Things have been going well for me on BMW machinery, so that in itself, should make things easier jumping onto the TAS Racing prepared Tyco BMW’s.
TAS are known to be one of the top teams in the paddock and I’m looking forward to working with the lads at the Ulster GP.
I’m sure we will have a good time. Thanks also to all my personal sponsors for letting me take this opportunity.”
Tyco BMW, Team Manager, Philip Neill went onto add:
“With Hutchy out injured we could have taken the opportunity for a well-earned break from our hectic racing schedule, which has also seen our team members in Japan representing BMW Motorrad at the Suzuka 8-Hour last weekend.
But we are big fans of the Ulster Grand Prix and as well as having a good record at the event, we very much enjoy bringing the whole show home to race in front of our local fans and race supporters.
Hutchy is almost an impossible man to replace, but Dan has shown great form of late on BMW Motorrad machinery and very much deserves this opportunity at the Ulster Grand Prix.
He’s a former winner and has shown recently that he can mix it with the best on the roads on the S1000RR, so we are looking forward to working with him at this year’s event.”
Ulster GP, Clerk of the Course, Noel Johnston added:
“Dan has been riding exceptionally well lately and deserves the chance he’s getting with Philip and the Tyco team.
“He’s won at Dundrod before and I think that given his recent form coupled with the team and the BMW machinery that he’s so clearly comfortable with, that this year could represent one of his best chances at further success.”
Words by Stevie Rial
