Nine-time North West 200 winner Davey Todd has been ruled out of this year's prestigious international road race after failing to pass medical examinations. The Yorkshire rider expressed being "gutted" and confused by the decision, having worked tirelessly over the past eight weeks to recover from severe injuries sustained during a March crash at Daytona in Florida. Teammate Peter Hickman had previously been optimistic about his participation.

The 30-year-old suffered multiple serious injuries including a broken femur, tibia, foot, and nose during the Florida incident, requiring surgery in the USA. Despite feeling strong and surprising himself with his performance during a recent test at Valencia, the race's chief medical officer determined he hadn't recovered sufficiently to meet safety requirements for the Triangle circuit event. Race director Mervyn Whyte emphasized that safety remains the top priority.

Todd had enjoyed remarkable success at the North West, winning trebles at each of the past two meetings. His absence represents a significant blow to the event's competitive landscape and disappoints his large following of fans. The two-time British Superstock champion will now shift focus toward the Isle of Man TT, where practice begins May 25, though the current setback raises questions about his fitness for that event as well.