Tyco BMW is delighted to announce that Manx rider Dan Kneen will join the team for the upcoming Ulster Grand Prix at Dundrod, filling the void left by 16-time Isle of Man TT winner Ian Hutchinson who is currently out injured.
Kneen is a former winner at Dundrod and having recently put in some strong results at both the Isle of Man TT and Southern 100 aboard BMW Motorrad machinery, most notably his debut podium at the TT in the Superstock race, he should slot in well within the TAS Racing set-up for this one-off appearance.
Speaking of the opportunity, Kneen said: “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 BMWs. 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 UGP. I’m sure we will have a good time. Thanks also to all my personal sponsors for letting me take this opportunity.”
Team Manager Philip Neill said: “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.”
