Dan was a hugely popular presence in the TT paddock; his infectious smile lighting up the lives of many, just as his talent on a motorcycle lit up the racetrack. His ten-year career racing on the TT Mountain Course couldn’t have started any better as Dan became the first rider to ever secure a hat-trick of victories at the Manx Grand Prix. But whilst he racked up several top results on both the roads and circuits over subsequent seasons, he also endured more than his fair share of bad luck; his progress hampered by injuries in particular.
Dan got his big break in 2015, however, when Clive Padgett stepped in to sign the Manxman as teammate to Bruce Anstey and Cam Donald in time for that year’s TT. Dan rewarded the team with three top-ten finishes, but in recording his first 130mph lap, he also showed the rest of the TT paddock just how good he really was. After all, this was a very exclusive club at the time.
Racing with his favoured number 14 plate, Dan finally stood on the TT podium in 2017. It was a result that caught the attention of many, with only Ian Hutchinson and Peter Hickman finishing ahead of him in what was a typically competitive Superstock race. Dan struggled to describe the feeling at the time, but judging by the broadness of his smile, we know it meant the world.
After another strong showing at that year’s Ulster Grand Prix, Dan was confirmed for a full road campaign with Tyco BMW the following season. 2018 promised so much, but it was all taken away. Sadly, Dan was taken from us too, but he still races on in our hearts and our minds. Forever ‘on the pipe, boy’, number 14.
Dan Kneen's Racing History and Achievements
Dan’s career with Marks Bloom Racing showcased his meteoric rise in the road racing world. This partnership brought many wins, challenges, and iconic performances, starting from his debut at the Manx Grand Prix.
- 2008: Dan burst onto the scene by becoming the first rider to claim a hat-trick of victories at the prestigious Manx Grand Prix, a monumental achievement that cemented his status as a rising star. These wins propelled him into the limelight, with the racing community taking notice of his immense talent.
- 2009: Dan had a stellar season, finishing fourth in the Metzeler National Superstock 600 Championship, with a remarkable victory at Oulton Park. It was also the year of his Isle of Man TT debut with the Marks Bloom Racing team, where he stunned fans by securing a top-ten finish in the Superstock TT. This achievement was particularly significant, given the immense difficulty and pressure of competing in the TT for the first time.
- 2010: Backed by financial support from Manx Gas, Dan returned to the Isle of Man TT with high expectations. He didn’t disappoint, delivering three top-ten finishes, including an impressive fifth-place result in the first Supersport Junior TT race. Dan was only 48 seconds behind race winner Ian Hutchinson, showing that he was quickly becoming a serious contender on the roads. At the Ulster Grand Prix, Dan was the fastest newcomer, lapping at 129.254 mph and further solidifying his place as one of road racing’s brightest talents.
- 2011: This year saw Dan take his road racing experience into the British Supersport Championship’s privateers’ category, finishing second overall with wins at Thruxton and Croft. Injuries sustained early in the season at RAF Jurby meant he missed a chunk of the British Superbike campaign, but he bounced back to score crucial points later in the year. Dan’s resilience shone through at the Isle of Man TT, where he secured a sixth-place finish in the first Supersport race and seventh in the Superstock event. A 12th-place finish in the Senior TT capped off another strong year.
- 2012: Dan’s 2012 season had its ups and downs. Marks Bloom Racing switched to Suzuki machinery with technical support from TAS Racing, but the transition proved challenging. On the short circuits, Dan struggled to find his form in the Superstock 1000 class, with a best result of 12th at Oulton Park. Despite these difficulties, Dan showed his consistency on the roads with four top-ten finishes at the Ulster Grand Prix and eighth places in both Supersport races at the North West 200. However, a crash during the first Supersport race at the Isle of Man TT led to a back injury, ruling him out of action until August.
- 2013: Injury struck again in 2013, forcing Dan to miss the early part of the season after another accident at RAF Jurby. However, his determination to return paid off, and by the Isle of Man TT, Dan was back to form, finishing five out of six races. He earned 11th place in the first Supersport race, and although he missed out on the podium, it was clear that Dan’s spirit was undiminished. A broken elbow suffered in a crash at the Southern 100 briefly halted his progress, but he recovered to finish the season with a strong showing at the Macau Grand Prix.
After five years with Marks Bloom Racing, Dan made the switch to Burrows Engineering Racing in 2014. The move marked a turning point in his career, as he began to notch up consistent victories and podium finishes.
- Cookstown 100 & Tandragee 100: Dan made an immediate impact, winning at Cookstown and following it up with victories in both the Open and Superbike races at the Tandragee 100. His form heading into the North West 200 and Isle of Man TT was excellent, and he was seen as a strong contender at both events.
- Isle of Man TT: Dan once again delivered three top-ten finishes at the TT, with a best result of seventh place in the Superstock race. His consistent performances cemented his reputation as one of the most reliable and skilled riders in the paddock.
- Ulster Grand Prix Victory: Perhaps the crowning achievement of Dan’s season came at the Ulster Grand Prix, where he won his first international road race in the Superstock event. In a thrilling contest, Dan battled with Dean Harrison and Bruce Anstey for the lead, ultimately winning by just 0.001 seconds, the closest margin in the event’s history. The victory was a testament to Dan’s skill and fearlessness.
- Injuries: Unfortunately, Dan’s season ended prematurely after a crash at the Ulster Grand Prix in the Supersport race, resulting in a broken foot. Despite this setback, his season was hailed as a breakthrough year.
After his success with Burrows Engineering, Dan joined the Valvoline Racing by Padgett’s team in 2015, racing alongside road racing greats like Bruce Anstey and Cameron Donald.
- British National Superstock 1000: Dan kicked off the season with a strong eighth-place finish at Donington Park, setting the tone for the year ahead. Despite mechanical issues at the North West 200, he was able to achieve three top-ten finishes at the Isle of Man TT, including a personal best lap speed of 130 mph in the Senior TT.
- Southern 100: The Southern 100 saw Dan back on the podium, where he claimed three podium finishes, including a runner-up spot in the solo championship race to Guy Martin.
In 2017, Dan Kneen was signed by Tyco BMW to replace the injured Ian Hutchinson, marking another high point in his career. He was a valuable addition to the team, consistently delivering podium-worthy performances.
- Ulster Grand Prix: Racing for Tyco BMW, Dan showed his form with podium finishes, including a third in the Superstock race and a hard-fought second in the Superbike race, narrowly missing out on victory by just over a tenth of a second.
- Isle of Man TT: The 2017 TT was a career highlight for Dan. He achieved his first-ever podium finish, taking third in the Superstock TT. His sheer determination and skill were on full display, and he capped off the TT with a top-five finish in the Superbike TT.
Tandragee 100: Dan began the 2018 season with strong results, setting a lap record and winning the feature Superbike race at the - Tandragee 100. He was preparing for yet another successful year of racing before tragedy struck.