- Todd was declared unfit to race by the TT medical team
- Multiple fractures to femur, tibia, foot and nose after Daytona crash
- The 30-year-old had already missed the North West 200
The Isle of Man TT 2026 will have to go ahead without one of its biggest favorites. Davey Todd, reigning Superbike race winner and three-time TT victor, was declared unfit to race on Tuesday, May 12, by the event’s medical team. The decision stems from the serious injuries the 30-year-old Englishman sustained during qualifying for the Daytona 200 in March. This means Todd will miss the second major road race of the season after already sitting out the North West 200.
What happened in Todd’s Daytona crash?
Todd suffered a serious crash during qualifying for the Daytona 200 in March 2026, sustaining multiple fractures. The injuries affected his femur, tibia, foot and nose. After the accident, he initially underwent surgery in the United States before entering an intensive rehabilitation program at Formula Medicine in Italy, a facility specializing in motorsport rehabilitation.
In the weeks that followed, Todd worked for approximately nine weeks on his comeback, according to his own account. A first milestone was his return to a motorcycle during a private track day at the Circuit Ricardo Tormo in Valencia. There, he described himself as comfortable on the machine, though at that point he was still unable to walk properly.
Why has Todd been ruled out of the 2026 TT?
The decision was made by a specialist panel of the Manx Roadracing Medical Services (MRMS), the organization responsible for medical provision at the TT on behalf of ACU Events Ltd. The panel comprised specialists in emergency medicine, orthopedics and trauma surgery.
The official statement said the decision was the result of a review process conducted over several weeks, involving Todd’s treating physicians. Based on the available clinical and radiological findings, the panel concluded that the injuries would not heal sufficiently in time to withstand the extraordinary physical demands of the 60.7-kilometer Mountain Course. While rehabilitation had progressed positively in recent weeks, there simply was not enough time.
Todd himself commented on the decision: “I’m absolutely gutted to say I’m not going to be on the start line for TT 2026, especially given all the work that’s gone in over the last nine weeks.”
He added that he had tried everything possible to get himself into a position where he could race. His gratitude goes to everyone involved at Formula Medicine in Italy, as well as BMW Motorrad, Monster Energy and his entire support network. Ultimately, time had simply run out. His focus now shifts to next year, with the aim of coming back stronger than ever. In the meantime, he will support his 8TEN Racing Team from the sidelines.
How significant is Todd’s absence for the TT?
For Todd personally, the absence is a heavy blow not only in sporting terms but also financially. Road races such as the North West 200 and the Isle of Man TT are central sources of income for riders at this level. Start fees, prize money, team agreements, sponsor presence and bonus payments make up a large portion of a road racer’s annual income. The prize money for the Senior TT winner alone exceeds 25,000 pounds (approximately 29,500 euros / 32,800 US dollars), and the Superbike TT winner receives a comparable sum.
In 2025, Todd had won both the Superbike race at the TT and dominated at the North West 200, where he claimed all three Superbike races as well as the second Superstock race. On the Mountain Course, he has established himself in recent years as one of the benchmarks in modern road racing. In 2024, he won the Senior TT. Missing both season highlights now deprives him of the year’s most important competitive and marketing opportunities.
Earlier in May, Todd had already been declared unfit to race at the North West 200 in Northern Ireland by the event’s Chief Medical Officer. Race Director Mervyn Whyte emphasized at the time that safety must take priority despite the disappointment for Todd and his fans.
When could Davey Todd return?
Todd is already looking ahead to 2027. Given the severity of the injuries sustained at Daytona, the medical decision is understandable. The TT begins on May 25 and runs through to the first week of June. With less than two weeks before the first practice session, it was clear that his recovery progress would not be sufficient.
Todd rides for the 8TEN Racing Team on BMW machinery. His teammate Peter Hickman and the rest of the team’s riders will compete on the island without him. Todd’s absence leaves a notable gap in the TT 2026 entry list, where the reigning Superbike winner would have been among the absolute top favorites.
The 2026 season is effectively over for Todd before it has properly begun. Whether any appearances at other events later in the year will be possible depends on the progress of his recovery.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Why has Davey Todd been ruled out of the Isle of Man TT 2026?
The specialist medical panel of the Manx Roadracing Medical Services declared Todd unfit to race after reviewing clinical and radiological findings. The injuries from his Daytona crash in March 2026 have not healed sufficiently to safely withstand the extreme physical demands of the Mountain Course.
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What injuries did Davey Todd sustain at the Daytona 200?
Todd suffered fractures to his femur, tibia, foot and nose during qualifying for the Daytona 200 in March 2026. He initially underwent surgery in the United States and subsequently completed an intensive rehabilitation program at Formula Medicine in Italy.
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Had Davey Todd already missed the North West 200 before the TT?
Yes. In early May 2026, Todd was already declared unfit to race by the Chief Medical Officer of the North West 200. The TT withdrawal is therefore his second consecutive forced absence. Prior to the North West 200, he had returned to a motorcycle at a private track day in Valencia but was not physically fit enough to compete in races.
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When could Davey Todd return to racing?
Todd has announced that he will focus on 2027. There is no specific timeline for his comeback. His return depends on the continued healing progress of the injuries sustained at Daytona.
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