By As with every newcomer to real roads competition, it’s always difficult to tell how competitive they will be, when they venture for the first time, into in my opinion the most exciting form of motorsport worldwide.
Davey Todd, is an ideal case in point; back in 2017, the Skerries 100 marked his maiden pure roads outing.
Gelling quickly with the popular roads of Skerries, Todd piloting the Longshot Racing ZX6R Kawasaki, was immediately on the pace within the Supersport and Open qualifying sessions.
Photo by Rod Neill
Race day could only be described, as an undoubted success, for the former race winner, within the National Superstock 600 championship.
Fifth place in the Open race, was backed up by a brace of fourth place finishes, including 4th in the seven lap Grand Final.
Todd’s performances caught the eye of various team owners, racing aficionados, countless seasoned road racing observers.
Esteemed road racing photographer, Paul Woodlock, added his views on Todd’s impressive display’s at Skerries, stating via his Facebook page:
“The Best Newcomer I have witnessed since Cameron Donald about 12 years ago. Riding a SS600, Davey Todd held his own in the 600 and Open races, nipping at the heels of the top lads and having great dices with some of most experienced riders.
I hope we’ll see him back on Irish soil real soon. Davey certainly got everyone’s attention today and his talent was much appreciated by all.”
Fast forward three years and the likeable Todd is now a factory Honda rider. His progress throughout recent seasons on the roads has been nothing short of exceptional.
At a glance standout moments have included the following:
2018 – Becoming the second fastest newcomer in TT history
Claiming the TT Privateers Championship
Podium finishes at Cookstown, Walderstown, Faugheen
Podium finishes at the East Coast Racing Festival, Southern 100
2019 – IRRC Superbike Champion
Race wins at Hengelo, Chimay, Terlicko, Imatranajo, Horice
First International road race victory at the North West 200
Podium finishes at the Ulster Grand Prix, Classic TT Races
Dunlop Senior TT top six finisher
Inaugural Virtual TT Champion alongside Sam Tipper, Todd’s racing exploits with Honda Racing for 2020 have been reduced to solely BSB affiliated National Superstock 1000 Championship events, with the Covid-19 pandemic curtailing International roads competition.
Photo by Gary Howlett
Currently tenth in the Superstock 1000 Championship standings, he has claimed in total to date nine points finishes from the ten series races to have thus far taken place.
Widely tipped as a future TT winner, Todd’s ultra rapid progress on the roads is proof that if you want it enough, have the talent, have that something money can’t buy, then ambitions, goals will follow, follow and follow.
Words by Stevie Rial
