PRINCE WILLS’ ISLE OF MAN TT MISSION
Learner bike has more torque than R1 £100k charity ride
Prince William took the opportunity to comfort the family of Dan Kneen during his visit to the TT last Wednesday. The Duke of Cambridge, who was there to watch the Lightweight, Supersport and TT Zero races, as well as visit the Joey Dunlop foundation took the time to speak Dan’s loved ones, including father Richard and Dan’s partner Leanne. After the meeting, Richard said on Facebook: “Yesterday we met Prince William. He had asked to speak to us in private, he spoke to all of us one at a time and wanted to hear about Dan. He was genuinely interested about when Dan first got involved with bikes and what he had achieved in his racing career. He was enthusiastic to see the TT continue.” Thirty-year-old Dan was killed in an accident in practice while riding his Tyco BMW S1000RR. The Manxman, whose best position at the TT was a podium in last year’s Superstock race, was involved in a high-speed incident at the Churchtown section crashing at an estimated 140mph. Just the day before he’d set his fastest-ever lap recording an impressive 132.258mph.
‘He spoke to us and wanted to hear about Dan’ RICHARD KNEEN
Richard was impressed with the Prince’s interest in his family and road racing in general. “Leanne presented Prince William with a Dan Kneen T-shirt and he said: ‘I will wear it with pride and send a photo with it on.’ Leanne said we would like to set up a proper charity in Dan’s name and when it gets set up that he would help in any way he could. It was very nice of him; a compassionate and understanding young man.”
The Prince was also following the progress of younger brother Ryan Kneen. The previous week Ryan had completed a lap in honour of Dan and just before he raced in the Senior TT. Ryan joined Richard and Leanne to receive the Spirit of TT award, as voted for by road racing fans.