Road Racing Weekly Update
Tuesday 24 March 2026
TT
IOMTT
Davey Todd: "Taking it Day by Day" in Florida Recovery
Following his 130mph crash at Daytona, Davey Todd has provided a positive update from his hospital bed. Having undergone surgery to insert a rod in his fractured left femur and screws in his right tibia, Todd has already begun "standing" on his left leg. While his participation in the early season remains uncertain, his spirits remain high.
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’ve already started standing on the left leg, which I am allowed to do since the surgery. Thank you everyone for your support."
Jurby Airfield: Roads Experts Shine at Season Opener
Credit: Mark Corlett / Road Racing News
The Andreas Racing Association (ARA) kicked off the Manx racing season at Jurby Airfield this weekend, with several TT and MGP stars using the event for vital "seat time." Grant Thomson was the man to beat, going unbeaten in the Post Classic and Pre-Injection 600 races. New Cosmic Racing signing Jamie Cringle also impressed with a string of runner-up finishes as he dialled in his 2026 BMW package.
CP Hire Celebrates 50 Years of North West 200 Support
Credit: North West 200 Official
The Briggs Equipment North West 200 has announced a landmark milestone, with CP Hire celebrating 50 years of continuous sponsorship. The family-owned firm, founded by Norman Hutchinson in 1971, remains a cornerstone of the event. Organisers also confirmed that Maxwell Freight Services will continue their sponsorship of the Saturday Supertwin and Sportbike races for 2026.
The Next Generation: Rhys Stephenson’s Measured Debut
Lincolnshire’s Rhys Stephenson has officially been named as a 2026 TT newcomer. Unlike many who try to take on every class at once, the 20-year-old is taking a highly disciplined approach by focusing solely on the Sportbike class with Rocket Racing. Having already made a name for himself in the British Talent Cup and National Sportbike Championship, Stephenson is being mentored by TT Rider Liaison Officers John Barton and Richard "Milky" Quayle.
Rhys Stephenson: "I’m going in with no expectations. I just want to enjoy my time on the bike and learn as much as I can. I’ve been over to the Island numerous times already... I’m super excited to go down Bray Hill for the first time."
The Milestone: John McGuinness Celebrates 30 Years
2026 isn’t just another season for John McGuinness MBE—it marks his 30th year of competing on the Mountain Course. Honda Racing UK has confirmed that "McPint" will lead their factory effort alongside Dean Harrison. To celebrate, a special "TT Podcast Live" event has been announced for April, and the Classic TT in August will feature a dedicated tribute and parade lap for the 23-time winner.
John McGuinness: "I’ve been on a journey that has not stopped giving; it’s been like Christmas Day over and over again! I can still hammer the times out... a podium again at the TT would be the cherry on top of the cake."
The Dakar Bounce-Back: James Hillier’s Focus Shifts
James Hillier’s start to 2026 was cut short after a crash during the opening stage of the Dakar Rally in Saudi Arabia left him with a broken arm. However, the 2013 Lightweight TT winner is already back in training and has confirmed that his focus is now 100% on his road racing programme. With his Dakar adventure over for the year, Hillier is expected to arrive at the North West 200 with a "point to prove" regarding his fitness and pace.
Sources
Motorcycle News (MCN), Crash.net, Visordown, Road Racing News, Isle of Man Today, Isle of Man TT Official, North West 200 News.
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