Kneen for success at Ulster Grand Prix

Manx rider Dan Kneen, who took his maiden international win last year at the Ulster Grand Prix, says he’s keen to repeat last year’s successes come this year’s races in two weeks time.

This year riding for the legendary Padgett’s Honda team, Kneen says that the experience of the squad could well be a vital factor in helping him to victory.

“I’m really enjoying working with the Padgett’s boys. They’re still learning how I like things but we get a long well and there is no pressure. It’s a great atmosphere.

“We’ve made a few little tweaks all season and the bike suits me a lot better now. We’re not reinventing the wheel or anything, because they already have a great base setting in place for Bruce and we can work with that.

“We’re looking forward to the Ulster. The bikes are good and I think the track suits me. I know a lot of riders say that, but the circuit flows so well and the racing is so tight, it’s somewhere I’ve always gone well.”

Kneen will compete in the Supersport, Superstock and Superbike classes at Dundrod under the Valvoline Padgett’s Honda banner, riding bikes that are proven race winners at Dundrod.

Kneen added: “I’ll be doing what I did last year and giving it my best. If I qualify well and keep the head down I’ll be near the front. I’d definitely like to win some more races at Dundrod.

“That’s easier said than done, as the field is so strong. I’d maybe have liked a little bit more time on the bike and to have raced some national meetings, but I’m still confident I’ll be at the front in all of my races.”