TT 2018: Dan Kneen killed in practice

Manx rider Dan Kneen has been killed in practice at the Isle of Man TT.

The Tyco BMW rider came off at Churchtown on the opening lap of Superbike qualifying.

The 30-year-old died at the scene of the incident, which happened 15 years to the day after David Jefferies was killed in practice after an incident on the TAS Racing Suzuki.

An official statement issued by the event organisers said: “ACU Events Ltd regrets to confirm that Dan Kneen, 30, from Onchan in the Isle of Man died this evening following injuries sustained during the Superbike qualifying session.

“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 [Tuesday] 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.”

A second incident occurred when a rider was airlifted to hospital following a collision with a course vehicle at Ballacrye, which was making its way to the scene of the fatal incident at Churchtown.

Practice was abandoned as a result of the incidents.