TT 2018: Kneen's father give blessing for Tyco BMW to continue

Dan Kneen’s family have given the Tyco BMW team their ‘full backing’ to continue racing at the 2018 Isle of Man TT races after the Manx racer’s tragic crash on Wednesday evening.

Kneen lost his life in an incident at Churchtown on the opening lap of Wednesday’s Superbike, Superstock and Supersport session.  

Tyco BMW team boss Philip Neill described the whole team as ‘numb’ following the news.

“We are all numb at the minute if I’m truly honest,” he said in a team statement. “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 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.”

In an emotional statement, Kneen’s father Richard has given his blessing for the Tyco team to continue racing this week with Michael Dunlop, stating the ‘show will go on’.

“Thank you for all your support at this sad time,” he said. “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, my other son, Ryan, and our whole family.

“Dan would want us to be wrong and for the Tyco BMW 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 marshals, medics and everyone involved. We are also thinking of Steve Mercer as well as sending best wishes for all the other TT competitors. The TT show will go on. RIP my son, Daniel Richard Kneen, from Dad.”