Following on from a highly successful single outing with Jackson Racing in 2017, Dan Kneen will ride for the Preston-based team in the Supersport class at all of this year’s international road race meetings.

The Braddan-based ace will campaign the Honda CBR600RR at the TT, North West 200, Ulster Grand Prix and Southern 100 with selected outings also pencilled in at some short circuit meetings.

The now 30-year old joined the team at the 11th hour at last year’s TT, taking over the ride vacated by Lee Johnston and, despite never having sat on the bike until the opening night of practice week, he put in a storming ride to finish in eighth place.

The result was even more impressive given the fact Kneen picked up a one-minute penalty for speeding in pit lane which dropped him down the order and outside the top-10. He fought back valiantly to claim eighth, aided by his personal best 600cc lap of 125.882mph, which was the fourth fastest of the entire race.

As well as his commitments with Tyco BMW in the 1000cc classes, Kneen aims to carry out a number of tests on the 600cc Honda prior to the North West 200 in May as the Jackson team seek to capture some of the podium positions during the course of the season.

’I’ve always enjoyed riding in the Supersport class so I’m pleased to be riding for Jackson Racing alongside Tyco BMW in 2018,’ said Dan.

’Last year’s ride at the TT was all very last minute and we didn’t get much practice time due to the weather, when I was also spending a lot of time on the big bikes, but the team did a great job in preparing the little Honda so I’m looking forward to being back with them.

’We didn’t really have any expectations last year but although I got the pit lane penalty, we took a good eighth place and I was delighted to record my best 600cc lap to date.

’That shows the potential of the bike and there’s definitely plenty more to come, particularly as we’ll have more miles under our belt pre-season and at the NorthWest.

’It’s great to have the ride secured as you don’t want to be missing out on races your rivals may be competing in. I’m confident we’ll pick up some good results and have a strong year together.’