Dan Kneen will race for BE Racing in the 2014 season, looking to make a strong attack on the 2014 Isle of Man TT Races.
The team, run by former racer John Burrows, will provide Kneen with a full assembly of machinery at his disposal, including an ex-TAS Suzuki Superbike and a brand new 600cc Honda built to World Supersport specification.
Along with an entry to the Isle of Man TT Races, Kneen will also compete in the other international road races – the North West 200 and the Ulster Grand Prix, as well as selected Irish national races, starting at the Cookstown 100 in April.
“I wanted an exciting young rider that could take the team forward and Dan is the man in my opinion,” explained Burrows, who will also hand over his Kawasaki Supertwin to Kneen on select occasions, whilst also retaining the use of the Marks Bloom Racing 1000cc Kawasaki Superstock bike. “He’s already a proven top ten international finisher and with our quality machinery I believe he will be even closer to the top step of the podiums this year. I have no doubt that it’s a combination that will work well.”
Kneen, 26, shot to prominance in 2008 when he scored a rare treble at the Manx Grand Prix, winning the newcomers, Junior and Ultra-Lightweight races. Since then he has scored six top ten finishes at the Isle of Man TT, including a best result of fifth in the 2010 Superstock class.
“I’m delighted to be joining John Burrows’ team,” said Kneen. “I feel that John and his crew will provide me with everything that I need to challenge for international podium finishes. His bikes will be as good as anything around. In previous years, I’ve had to take care of all of the machine preparation myself but this year I will be able to concentrate solely on the racing. I’m going to have a great opportunity to show what I can do and I’m really looking forward to mixing it up at the front.”
His fastest lap around the Mountain Course clocks in at 127mph, and he has also scored top ten results at the North West 200 along with two victories at the Dundrod 150 meeting.
“My main aim is podium finishes at the TT but I’ll also be looking to go well in Ireland,” he continued. “I don’t know any of the national circuits but John’s experience will be a great help at all the places that are new to me and I’m confident that I can put on a good show everywhere, starting at Cookstown. I’d like to thank John for putting his faith in me and thanks to Marks Bloom for their continued support.”
