Two-time Macau GP winner declared unfit for NW200

Two-time winner of the Macau Motorcycle Grand Prix (2024 and 2025), Davey Todd has been declared unfit and ruled out of the North West 200 (NW200), one of the main road racing events of the season.

The decision was made following a checkup with the chief medical officer at the 2026 NW200, which officially started on Monday and will conclude on Saturday (May 9).

In a statement, the NW200 said, “Following his injuries at Daytona in March, Davey Todd underwent a medical examination by the Chief Medical Officer at the 2026 Briggs Equipment North West 200 today [May 5]. Unfortunately, because of his injuries, Davey [Todd] was found to be unfit to take part in the North West 200 this week.”

In the same organizers’ statement, race director Mervyn Whyte is quoted as saying, “We are very disappointed that Davey [Todd] will not be on the grid this year. He has enjoyed a lot of success in the North West and a huge following who will be equally disappointed. We would all have loved to have seen him out there racing, but safety is paramount.”

At issue are the serious injuries sustained by the 8TEN Racing BMW racer at the Daytona 200 in March, which included a broken femur and tibia, as well as a broken right foot, nose, and pelvis.

As previously reported by the racer, following the accident at Daytona, Todd underwent an intense six-week rehabilitation program at Formula Medicine, a facility in Italy known for supporting the recovery and rehabilitation of injured MotoGP riders and Formula 1 drivers.

Back on the bike recently for a test session in Valencia, Spain, Todd’s feedback was positive, stating that he felt more comfortable on the bike than walking.

Unhappy with the medical team’s decision at the NW200, Todd told BBC Sport Northern Ireland that he was “gutted and confused.”

“I worked so hard over the last few weeks to get fit and to come back and race in front of the fans here at the North West. I rode a bike on Thursday [last week] for the first time at Valencia, and I surprised myself with how fast I was going and how good I felt on the bike. Everything was slotting into place. I feel strong, feel healthier day by day, and am in a good place,” he remarked.

The racer won all three Superbike races at the 2025 NW200, as well as the second Superstock race.

According to Todd, he will now redirect his focus and efforts toward continuing his recovery to ensure he can compete in the upcoming Isle of Man TT (IoM TT), arguably the premier event of the road racing season, which is just three weeks away.

As is well known, the NW200 and the IoM TT are the two major competitions used by Macau GP organizers to recruit racers for the local invitational event taking place in November this year.

In the qualifying session held on Wednesday (local time), Richard Cooper (BMW) led the session in wet conditions.

Cooper clocked a best lap of 4:51.332, with an advantage of 2.5 seconds over Paul Jordan (Honda). Dean Harrison (Honda) was third with a best time of 4:54.566, while Todd’s teammate Peter Hickman was fifth.