Davey Todd will not participate in this year’s North West 200 international road race. The decision comes after the race meeting’s chief medical officer assessed that the Yorkshire rider had not sufficiently recovered from injuries sustained in a crash at the Daytona races in Florida in early March.
Todd, a nine-time North West 200 race winner, expressed his disappointment. He stated he was “gutted” by the decision.
Todd’s Daytona Crash and Injury Assessment
The 30-year-old sustained multiple injuries in the Daytona incident. These included a broken femur, tibia, foot and nose, requiring surgery in the USA.
Organisers released a statement on Tuesday afternoon confirming Todd’s exclusion. It stated that he was found to be unfit to take part in the North West 200 due to his injuries.
Race director Mervyn Whyte expressed his disappointment. “We are very disappointed that Davey will not be on the grid this year,” Whyte said. He acknowledged Todd’s success at the North West and the disappointment of his fans, but emphasized that safety is paramount.
Todd’s Reaction and Recovery Efforts
Todd secured trebles at each of the past two North Wests. He conveyed his frustration at being prevented from competing.
“I’m gutted, I’m confused. I worked so hard over the last weeks to get fit and to come back and race in front of the fans here at the North West,” Todd told BBC Sport NI.
Todd had ridden a bike at Valencia on Thursday for the first time since his accident. He said he surprised himself with his speed and how good he felt on the bike, adding that he felt strong and was feeling healthier each day.
“I’ve put absolutely everything I possibly could over the last eight weeks to be back on this grid and I was amazed a few days ago, really proud of myself, that I was able to get myself back in the position that I could come here and race again and be competitive, and to be told I’ll not be given the opportunity of doing that means I’m gutted.”
Uncertainty for the Isle of Man TT
Todd will now hope to be passed fit to race at the Isle of Man TT, with practice due to begin on 25 May.
“It’s a real shame because I don’t know what impact that will have on being able to do the TT now. We can only wait and see. I tried my best but for some reason it’s not to be.
Todd said he arrived at the North West expecting a medical test, but was simply told he would not be riding.
Two weeks ago, Todd’s 8Ten Racing teammate and co-owner Peter Hickman had indicated optimism that Todd would be fit for the races.
Davey Todd secured hat-tricks at both of the past two North West 200s.
- Todd sustained multiple injuries in a crash at Daytona in early March.
- He was ruled unfit for the North West 200 by the chief medical officer.
- Todd is unsure what impact this will have on his participation in the Isle of Man TT.
The two-time British Superstock 1000cc champion will now hope that he will be passed fit to race at the Isle of Man TT.