Manxman Dan Kneen enjoyed a strong ride in yesterday afternoon’s Formula One Classic TT race to finish in a fine ninth place in the four lap race.

Riding the Valvoline Padgett’s 750cc OW01 Yamaha, a machine that Rob McElnea rode in the early part of the 1989 World Superbike Championship, the Braddan rider had lapped at 119.765mph in practice week to place ninth quickest on the leaderboard and with his opening lap being a similar speed, 119.647mph, he slotted into tenth place.

He quickened his pace second time around to 120.315mph to move up to ninth and maintained this position after a slick pit stop by the team. Secure in ninth place, the 28-year old went quicker still on the fourth and final lap, at 120.423mph, to secure the position for another excellent result on the island. The result also saw him pick up another coveted silver replica.

“I really enjoyed the race and although it took me a while to get going, once I did, I was able to get into a nice rhythm and lap at a decent pace. Peter (Hickman) passed me early on but I was a little down on speed and whilst I could stay with him through the twisty stuff of Glen Helen, along the straights, he pulled away,” said Kneen.

“It was the same when Lee Johnston came by on the last lap. I was pleased to lap at over 120mph and the last lap could well have been over 121mph had it not been for slower traffic and yellow flags. It was quite tricky finding your way past people and I got held up quite a bit so I was quite surprised that my last lap was my quickest. All in all though, it’s been an enjoyable event and I’d like to be back again next year.”

Although nothing’s finalised yet, Kneen is hopeful of getting another couple of meetings under his belt before the season ends.