Davey’s Ducati call-up
Todd gets V2 power for NW200 and TT Supersport assault
Davey Todd looks set to fight at the very front of the Supersport class at both the North West 200 and Isle of Man TT after signing to race the Powertoolmate Ducati Panigale V2 run and prepared by TAS Racing.
Ducati’s 955cc Supersport offering proved to be the weapon of choice in 2023, dominating the World Supersport Championship in the hands of Nicolo Bulega and the British Supersport title thanks to Ben Currie.
Todd will add the Ducati to his list of rides at the NW200 and TT where he’ll also ride the TAS-prepared Milwaukee BMW M1000RR. He will also aim to reclaim the British Superstock title he won in 2022.
Todd’s best Supersport lap of the TT stands at 128.699mph set on the Padgett’s Honda CBR600RR last year where he secured fourth and fifth place finishes. His lap makes him the fourth fastest Supersport rider in history behind the current TT aliens, Michael Dunlop, Peter Hickman and Dean Harrison. The lap record is a stunning 130.403mph set by Dunlop in 2023 onboard his own MD Racing Yamaha R6.
Speaking after seeing his new bike, Todd said: “It’s a pretty trick piece of kit and there’s certainly no better looking Supersport machine on the grid, but while looks are one thing, the pedigree of the V2 is unquestionable, pretty much winning everything in 2023 from domestic to world titles.”
Todd will benefit from the expertise of vastly experience crew chief and new team principal Stewart
Johnstone. Johnstone is synonymous with racing success and has a long affinity to Ducati dating back to his days at GSE Racing in BSB.
Johnstone said: “I must admit from an engineering perspective and also leading this effort, I’m personally looking forward to the challenge of taking an iconic brand and partner back to the TT, in what is broadly regarded as the most competitive category at the event. On a personal level, I hope to rekindle the previous successes I’ve enjoyed with Ducati.”
Another addition to the Supersport class is James Hillier who has re-joined forces with the Bournemouth Kawasaki Racing team. Hillier, who made his name riding Kawasakis, will campaign the brand’s new Ninja ZX-6R in addition to his WTF Honda Fireblade at both the NW200 and TT.
‘It’s a pretty trick piece of kit and has pedigree’