Road Racing Weekly Roundup - Crashes, Factory Signings and TT Comebacks Finalised
The euphoria of the 2026 season launch has been tempered this week by sobering news from the United States. While the domestic paddock continues to take shape, all eyes are currently on the recovery of the reigning Senior TT champion.
Davey Todd Facing "Race Against Time" After Daytona Crash
What should have been a glittering American debut for Davey Todd ended in a Florida hospital. During qualifying for the Daytona 200, Todd suffered a catastrophic mechanical failure. After an earlier low-speed tangle, his PHR Performance Triumph suffered a jammed steering lock at approximately 130mph, sending him directly into the Armco barrier.
The toll is significant: a fractured left femur, a fractured right tibia and foot, and a broken nose. Todd has already undergone successful surgery to have a rod inserted into his femur.
Davey Todd: "I can't really give an ETA on when I will be back, but I am trying to be back as soon as possible. I am lucky I have Abbie [Raven] with me looking after me. I’ve already started standing on the left leg... we are taking it day by day."
Photo credit: Davey Todd social media
Peter Hickman Battles to 29th Amidst Daytona Chaos
Team owner and rider Peter Hickman endured a character-building weekend at the "World Center of Racing." Despite suffering two significant crashes of his own and losing "bags of time" during a problematic second pit stop, Hickman showed his trademark resilience to bring the Triumph Street Triple home in 29th place.
While the result wasn't the podium the team targeted, the data gathered for their 2026 TT Supersport assault remains invaluable.
Milenco by Padgett’s Announce 2026 "Roads Royalty" Lineup
Back on home soil, the legendary Padgett’s squad has finalised their plans. Following the passing of team patriarch Peter Padgett at age 94 last week, the team has vowed to "race on" with a powerhouse duo. Jamie Coward and New Zealand’s Mitch Rees will lead the Honda-backed effort at the North West 200 and Isle of Man TT.
Photo credit: Isle of Man TT Races
Michael Evans Joins the 130mph Club’s Elite with Dafabet
Local star Michael Evans has re-signed with Dafabet Racing. After breaking the 130mph barrier last year, Evans is now targeting consistent top-ten finishes in the Superbike and Senior categories. The team will also campaign a new Triumph 765 in the Supersport class, using engines tuned by Hickman’s PHR Performance outfit.
Ben Constable (Dafabet Team Owner): "Retaining Mikey was our top priority. We know he has the pace to be a regular top-ten finisher, and the Triumph package is the final piece of that puzzle."
Photo Credit: Isle of Man TT Races
Hutchy Returns: Ian Hutchinson Joins Team RST
In a move that has delighted fans, 16-time TT winner Ian Hutchinson has been announced as the spearhead for the newly formed Team RST. "The Bingley Bullet" will return to BMW machinery for the Superbike classes, marking a significant increase in RST’s competitive involvement in the races they traditionally sponsor.
Photo credit: Isle of Man TT Races
Sources: Motorcycle News (MCN), Crash.net, Visordown, Road Racing News, Cycle News, BikeSport News.
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