Manx rider Dan Kneen tragically died following a high-speed crash on the approach to Ramsey during Wednesday evening’s qualifying session for the TT.

The 30-year-old from Onchan had been first on the road and lost control of his 1000cc Tyco BMW on the extremely fast stretch between Churchtown and the bottom of Sky Hill track. He died at the scene.

The session was immediately red-flagged and subsequently cancelled shortly after 7pm.

Shortly later, news of a second incident was confirmed in which a rider hit a course car at Ballacrye, near Ballaugh, when on its way to the initial accident.

Race organisers have confirmed that Steve Mercer, 36, from Maidstone, Kent, was the rider involved in the collision with a course car.

He has been transferred to Liverpool for further assessment and treatment.

ACU Events Ltd said that there is an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident.

In a message posted on Facebook, Dan’s father Richard said:

’Hello everyone and thank you for your support at this sad time.

’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.’

He said his thoughts were with Dan’s partner Leanne and for his other son Ryan and the whole family.

’Dan would want us to be strong and for the Tyco team to crack on,’ he added.

’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 and medics and everyone involved. Thinking of Steve Mercer as well. Best wishes for all the other TT competitors. The TT show will go on. RIP my son Daniel.’


Steve Mercer’s partner Caroline tweeted after the incident last night:

’I’m sorry to say Steve has sustained serious injuries following an accident on his way back to the Grandstand.

’He has been flown to Liverpool where he will be assessed further to ascertain the full extent of his injuries.’


In a statement issued last night, the ACU said:

’ACU Events Ltd regrets to confirm that Dan Kneen, 30, from Onchan died this evening following injuries sustained during the Superbike qualifying session on the Isle of Man.

’Dan had an accident at Churchtown on the first lap of the session and died at the scene of the incident.

’Dan made his mountain course debut at the Manx Grand Prix in 2008 and won an unprecedented three races - the Junior, the Newcomers C and the Ultra Lightweight MGP Races.

’He achieved his first TT podium in last year’s Superstock Race, finishing third in the Superstock TT Race. He has a fastest official lap of 130.347mph which he set in last year’s Superstock Race and recorded a lap of 132.258mph (17:06.994) in last night’s Superbike qualifying session.

’ACU Events Ltd wishes to pass on their deepest sympathy to Dan’s partner Leanne, his family and his many friends in the road racing community and beyond.’

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