Defending Superbike TT champion Davey Todd has been ruled out of the 2026 Isle of Man TT after failing to recover from severe injuries sustained in a March crash during Daytona 200 qualifying. Todd suffered multiple fractures, including to his femur and tibia, that have left him unable to meet the intense physical demands required to race on the notoriously brutal TT course.
Despite an aggressive rehabilitation program at Italy’s Formula Medicine clinic, Todd’s recovery has fallen short of what’s needed. Medical specialists in emergency medicine, orthopaedics, and trauma surgery conducted a thorough assessment and concluded he cannot safely compete this year. The decision came less than two weeks before TT practice begins, delivering a crushing blow to the 30-year-old who had hoped to defend his title.
Todd’s injuries include broken bones in his femur, tibia, foot, and nose, all initially treated in the United States before his transfer to Italy for specialized recovery. He remained in constant contact with the Isle of Man TT medical team throughout his rehab, which underscored the severity of his condition. Last week, he was also declared unfit for the North West 200 following a fresh medical review.
The announcement effectively ends Todd’s 2026 season before it even started. Last year, Todd shocked the road racing world by defeating Michael Dunlop to win the Superbike TT on his 8TEN Racing BMW. Now sidelined, Todd expressed his disappointment but vowed to come back stronger.
“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,” Todd said. “I’ve done everything possible to get myself into a position to race, and I’m so grateful to everyone involved in my treatment at Formula Medicine in Italy, plus the awesome support from BMW Motorrad, Monster Energy, and all the amazing people around me.”
“We’ve left no stone unturned and tried everything possible with the goal of being back for the TT, but unfortunately we’ve just run out of time,” he added. “The focus now shifts to next year so I can come back stronger than ever. In the meantime, I’ll be supporting my 8TEN Racing team from the sidelines.”
With Todd sidelined, the 2026 Isle of Man TT will see a significant shakeup in the Superbike category, removing a major contender and last year’s winner from the fight on one of motorsport’s most demanding stages. The spotlight now turns to other frontrunners as the TT calendar approaches, with Todd’s absence reshaping the championship landscape.
