Riding for the team owned and run by former racer John Burrows, Kneen will have a full assembly of machinery at his disposal including the ex-TAS Suzuki Superbike and a brand new 600cc Honda built to World Supersport specification. Kneen will also have selected outings on Burrows’ Kawasaki Supertwin whilst also retaining the use of the Marks Bloom Charted Accountants/Wemoto 1000cc Suzuki Superstock machine.

The Dungannon businessman explained:

"I wanted an exciting young rider that could take the team forward and Dan is the man in my opinion. 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."

26-year-old Kneen from Braddan on the Isle of Man has been hampered in recent times by injury, which affected all of the last three seasons, but he remains one of the brightest young talents in road racing. He shot to prominence in 2008 when he scored a unique Manx Grand Prix treble, winning the newcomers, Junior and Ultra-Lightweight races. Since then he has matured into a top class international competitor with six top ten TT finishes to his credit and a best placed fifth in the 2010 Supersport 2 Race.

Kneen, who has a fastest TT lap of over 127mph, has also made his mark in Ireland, taking top ten finishes in the North West 200. He achieved two wins at the Dundrod '150' meeting and took sixth and seventh in the two Ulster GP Supersport races in the same year. Kneen has made three visits to the Macau Grand Prix with a best finish of ninth in 2012.

Speaking about the year ahead, Kneen commented:

"I'm delighted to be joining John Burrows' team. 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."

He continued:

"My main aim is podium finishes at the TT but I'll also be looking to go well in Ireland. 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."