Classic TT: Kneen in for injured Donald

Manxman Dan Kneen has been drafted in as a replacement by Ripley Land Racing for injured Aussie Cameron Donald at the Classic TT Races.

Donald will miss the event after breaking his wrists in a motocross accident but the team has moved quickly to pair up with Braddan man Kneen, who has been in terrific form this season.

The 27-year-old will ride a G50 Seeley Matchless and 350cc 7R AJS and in the 500cc and 350cc races and will also ride in the Formula 1 race on the RLR Motorsports GSX-R750 Suzuki.

Kneen is on course to secure the Irish Superbike road racing title this weekend at the Faugheen 50 meeting in Ireland following wins at the Cookstown, Tandragee, Kells, Skerries and Walderstown national events.

Riding for the Northern Ireland-based Cookstown B.E. Racing team, Kneen also impressed at the Isle of Man TT in June, finishing seventh in the Superstock race and setting a best lap at the event of 129.360mph.

Meanwhile, young Cheshire rider Connor Behan will stand in for Jamie Coward at the meeting, competing in the Okells 350cc and Bennetts 500cc races for Ted Woof Racing on Manx Norton machinery.

Coward sustained leg injuries in a spill at the Tandragee 100 in May and has made good progress, but the Classic TT has come too soon for the Yorkshireman.

The Classic TT Races presented by Bennett's takes place from August 22-25.