Davey Todd ruled out of North West 200 after failing medical test following Daytona crash

Key facts

• Davey Todd, 30, sustained a broken femur, tibia, foot and nose in a crash at Daytona in early March.
• He failed a medical examination by the North West 200 chief medical officer on Tuesday.
• Todd is the reigning Isle of Man Superbike TT winner and a nine-time North West 200 race winner.
• He crashed twice during qualifying for the Daytona 200; the second crash occurred when a steering lock malfunction caused him to hit a barrier at 120-130 mph.
• Todd underwent surgery in the USA after the crash.
• The North West 200 takes place this week; the TT starts on May 25.
• Todd missed the opening round of the British Superbike championship at Oulton Park last weekend.
• Race director Mervyn Whyte said safety is paramount and the decision was made with regret.

Medical ruling dashes comeback hopes

Davey Todd, the reigning Isle of Man Superbike TT winner, has been ruled out of this year's North West 200 after failing a medical assessment. The chief medical officer determined that the 30-year-old Yorkshireman had not recovered sufficiently from injuries sustained in a crash at the Daytona 200 in Florida in early March. Todd expressed his devastation, telling BBC Sport NI: 'I'm gutted, I'm confused. I worked so hard over the last weeks to get fit and to come back and race in front of the fans here at the North West.' He had ridden a bike for the first time since the crash at Valencia on Thursday, saying he surprised himself with his speed and how good he felt.

Daytona crash: a steering lock failure at 130 mph

Todd crashed twice during qualifying for the Daytona 200 in early March. The first crash caused damage that was repaired during a 30-minute session. However, a steering lock malfunction went unnoticed. On his second run, as he exited Turn 2 at around 120 to 130 mph, the steering jammed, sending him straight into the armco barrier. He broke his femur and tibia, as well as his foot and nose, and required surgery in the United States. Todd later explained on social media: 'Unfortunately something got missed; the steering lock on the bike. It basically wound out and got jammed.' The incident left him with multiple fractures and a long recovery.

A nine-time winner denied a chance to race

Todd has enjoyed remarkable success at the North West 200, winning trebles at each of the past two editions. His nine race wins make him one of the most decorated competitors on the Triangle circuit. Race director Mervyn Whyte said: 'We are very disappointed that Davey will not be on the grid this year. He has enjoyed a lot of success at 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.' Todd's absence is a significant blow to the event, which attracts thousands of fans to Northern Ireland. His teammate and 8Ten Racing co-owner Peter Hickman had expressed optimism just two weeks ago that Todd would be fit to race.

Timeline: from Daytona to North West

The crash occurred in early March during qualifying for the Daytona 200. Todd underwent surgery in the USA and spent weeks in rehabilitation. He missed the opening round of the British Superbike championship at Oulton Park last weekend. On Thursday, he rode a bike for the first time at Valencia, reporting that he felt strong and healthy. His medical examination at the North West 200 took place on Tuesday afternoon. The chief medical officer's decision came as a shock to Todd, who believed he was ready to compete. 'I've put absolutely everything I possibly could over the last eight weeks to be back on this grid,' he said.

Pressure mounts ahead of the TT

The ruling puts Todd under even more pressure to be fit for the Isle of Man TT, which begins on May 25. As the reigning Superbike TT winner, he is one of the favorites for the event. The TT is the pinnacle of road racing, and Todd's participation is highly anticipated. However, the medical decision raises questions about his readiness for the TT, which is even more demanding than the North West 200. Todd will need to pass a medical assessment before being allowed to race. His team and fans will be watching closely as the TT approaches.

Todd's determination and disappointment

Todd expressed confusion and frustration at the decision, given his rapid recovery. 'Everything was slotting into place. I feel strong, feel healthier day by day and in a good place,' he said. He had been proud of his progress, amazed that he could return to competitive form so quickly. 'I was amazed a few days ago, really proud of myself, that I was able to get myself back in the position that I could come here and race again and be competitive, and to be told I'll not be given the opportunity of doing that means I'm gutted,' he added. The emotional toll is evident, as Todd had set his sights on a comeback at the North West.

What lies ahead for Todd and the North West

With Todd out, the North West 200 will proceed without one of its star attractions. The event has a history of drama, including last year's controversial race where Todd was denied a win by Michael Dunlop. Todd and Hickman had threatened not to return after that incident, but they did. For Todd, the focus now shifts to the TT. He will continue his rehabilitation and hope to pass the medical in time. The road racing community will be watching closely, as Todd's talent and determination make him a compelling figure. The TT, starting May 25, will be the next test of his recovery.

The bottom line

• Davey Todd failed a medical for the North West 200 due to insufficient recovery from a Daytona crash that broke his femur, tibia, foot and nose.
• The crash occurred when a steering lock malfunction caused him to hit a barrier at 120-130 mph during qualifying.
• Todd is a nine-time North West 200 winner and reigning Isle of Man Superbike TT champion.
• Race director Mervyn Whyte emphasized safety as the reason for the decision.
• Todd expressed devastation, saying he had worked hard to be fit and felt ready to race.
• The ruling increases pressure on Todd to be fit for the Isle of Man TT starting May 25.