Superbike Star Dan Kneen Passes Away After Isle of Man TT crash

Superbike racer Dan Kneen lost his life late last week in practice for the 112th running of the infamous Isle of Man TT motorcycle race. Kneen became the 147th competitor to give up his life for the event, which pits bike racers from around the world against the winding 37 mile island course and the stopwatch.

The Isle of Man TT (Tourist Trophy) has been held annually since 1907 with hiatuses for both World Wars. It’s held on the British-governed island on public roadways that are closed for two weeks for the event. The first week is dedicated to practice laps for the competitors, while the second week is for the actual class racing. If you include the amateur races that are held on the same course and those fatalities that occurred during the Manx Grand Prix, the death toll rises to more than 250, establishing the race course itself as one of the most dangerous in the world.

Dan Kneen actually resided on Isle of Man and had competed in the Isle of Man TT since 2009. He had one podium finish when he placed third in the Superstock TT class in 2017, when he also finished 5th in the Superbike class. His fatal crash came just a few short weeks after Kneen had won the main race at the Tandragee 100, where he also turned in a new track record. He was 30 years old.

We always hate to hear of the passing of any competitor as it reminds us of our own mortality and how quickly life can end. However, we also know Kneen and the countless others who have died participating in the sport they love knew the dangers they were facing each time they fired up their engines. It’s a chance that must be taken to seek that high that only speed can provide and the elation that comes from pushing one’s self to the limits of control to lay down the best performance possible. Most of us make it home safely, but for many, that is not the case.

Godspeed and rest in peace, Dan.