- Starting in 2026 in the Superbike, Superstock, and Supersport classes
- Racing for Team Road House Macau
- The goal is a lap with an average speed of over 130 miles per hour
German road racer David Datzer is not done with the Tourist Trophy yet. After several difficult years due to injury, he plans to make a new attempt in 2026 to finally achieve a result on the Isle of Man that meets his own expectations.
A look back at two difficult TT years
The Bavarian’s previous appearances at the Tourist Trophy did not go according to plan. In 2024, several factors prevented him from achieving a competitive result. A withdrawal from the start, a crash followed by a ban from starting, and retirement from the Senior TT meant that Datzer had to leave the island without a result. The year before, a serious accident in Stare Mesto had already caused a promising TT participation to end prematurely. It was not until the end of the season that Datzer was able to actively ride a motorcycle again.
New team and clear plans for 2026
For his next attempt, Datzer is focusing on continuity in his environment. He will be competing for Road House Macau, led by team boss Brian McCormack. This collaboration had already been agreed upon and is now being implemented. In the Superbike and Superstock classes, the overall winner of the 2024 IRRC Superbike is scheduled to ride a BMW M1000RR. A Triumph 765 will be used in the Supersport races. However, there are no plans to compete in the Supertwin class in 2026.
Personal motivation and sporting goal
The motivation for his return is clearly stated. One day before his 34th birthday, Datzer told SPEEDWEEK.com:
“I still have a score to settle with the Tourist Trophy, because the way the last two years have gone, you can’t call the TT over and done with.”
His sporting goal for 2026 is equally clear:
“My goal for this year is to break the magical barrier of 130 miles per hour average speed for a lap. If I can do that, then the placing should be good too.”
Physical challenges after a serious crash
However, the consequences of the serious accident are not yet completely over. Datzer openly describes the limitations he still faces. The neck area in particular causes problems, restricting his mobility on the motorcycle. In addition, intensive muscle building is on the agenda until the start of the season. According to Datzer, it is thanks to rapid medical intervention that he is not permanently confined to a wheelchair.
Preparation via road races in Ireland
In preparation for the Tourist Trophy, he plans to compete in the road race in Cookstown on the last weekend in April. Julian Trummer will also be competing there with Smith Racing. Cookstown is not new territory for Datzer, as he had already planned to compete there several years ago before the event was canceled due to the pandemic.
No full championship planned
A full championship is not on the agenda for 2026. Originally, participation in the European Series Road Racing was planned. However, the additional inclusion of the North West 200 in the calendar meant that the organizational and time requirements became too great. Instead, individual starts are planned in Czechia and Slovakia. At the end of the season, Datzer hopes to receive an invitation to the Macau Grand Prix.
What does this mean for me as a road racing fan?
David Datzer’s return to the Tourist Trophy in 2026 means another experienced and ambitious rider on the starting grid for the road racing scene. After two years without any usable results, the focus is less on simply competing and more on assessing his performance after a serious injury. For fans, this adds to the excitement, as Datzer is competing with a clearly defined goal and providing realistic benchmarks for his development in both the Superbike and Superstock classes. At the same time, his program shows how closely planning, fitness, and opportunities for competition are intertwined in international road racing and how strongly individual races can shape the entire year.
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