Davey Todd Sets Superstock Scorcher in Fourth Isle of Man TT Qualifier

Todd lays down a standout 133.155mph lap ahead of Harrison and Dunlop, with Aussie ace Davo Johnson setting the 5th fastest time

Saturday’s fourth qualifying session at the Isle of Man TT Races unfolded under dry but gusty conditions, following a foggy start to the day. With the morning mist finally lifting, riders were cleared for a full run on the world’s most demanding road circuit. The standout performance belonged to Davey Todd, who delivered a scorching solo lap of 133.155mph aboard his Monster Energy by 8TEN Racing BMW in the Superstock class. Not only did he top the session, but he also laid down the fastest Superstock lap of the week to date with that blistering effort.

In a strategic shift, Michael Dunlop led the pack off the line riding his MD Racing Superbike-spec BMW, trailed closely by Dean Harrison on the Honda Racing Superbike. Ian Hutchinson spearheaded the Superstock contingent aboard the Moobob/MLav Racing BMW.

Several other riders also opted to dial in their Superbike setups during the session, including David Johnson (Platinum Club Racing Kawasaki), John McGuinness MBE (Honda Racing), James Hillier (Muc-Off Racing Honda), and Josh Brookes (Jackson Racing Powered by Prosper2 Honda). Each was fine-tuning in preparation for the upcoming RST Superbike Race.

Dean Harrison wasted no time asserting himself, flying through Glen Helen more than six seconds ahead of his competitors and overtaking Dunlop on the road by Kirk Michael. Behind him, Dominic Herbertson (HRRC/Adam Hewitt Ltd Honda), Nathan Harrison (H&H Motorcycles Honda), Michael Evans (Dafabet Racing Honda), and James Hind (North Lincs Components Honda) rounded out the top six in that sector.

Completing his first lap from a standing start at 132.484mph, Harrison crossed the line well over 13 seconds faster than Dunlop, who clocked a 130.762mph. David Johnson followed with a 127.976mph lap, narrowly edging out both Brookes (127.650mph) and Hillier (127.572mph).

Meanwhile, Herbertson led the Superstock times with an impressive lap of 128.737mph—also placing him third overall—closely chased by Nathan Harrison (128.501mph), Conor Cummins (128.389mph), and Mike Browne (127.949mph).

While many had already been circulating, Todd took a late entry to the session but made it count. His sole lap at 133.155mph not only topped the Superstock standings but now stood as the fastest in that class for the entire week.

Action came to an abrupt halt when clouds thickened over the Mountain section, prompting event organizers to suspend the session. Riders already on course were guided back to the paddock under yellow flags, curtailing any further fast laps.

Before the session officially ended, Johnson managed another lap at 128.895mph, and Jordan logged his quickest of the event so far with a commendable 128.694mph. Both Herbertson and Nathan Harrison turned in additional laps above 128mph, although slightly behind their earlier bests. Dunlop, meanwhile, reclaimed the second-best slot in Superstock thanks to a quick 130.262mph pass. Newcomer Mitch Rees continued his steady progression, posting a respectable 124.326mph.

HICKMAN RECOVERING AFTER HORROR CRASH

Peter Hickman, a 14-time Isle of Man TT winner, is recovering from multiple injuries following a crash during Friday qualifying that has ended his 2025 campaign. The 38-year-old crashed around 10 minutes into Friday evening’s session at Kerrowmoar while riding his 8TEN Racing BMW Superstock machine, prompting a red flag. The high-speed incident occurred at a roughly 100mph left-hander, not far from the site of Hickman’s 2024 Senior TT crash while leading.

According to official updates, Hickman was “conscious and stable” after the fall and was flown to Noble’s Hospital. He is currently being treated for chest, back, shoulder, and facial injuries but is said to be in a “comfortable” condition.

Hickman entered this year’s TT with high hopes after forming his own 8TEN Racing BMW team alongside co-owner Davey Todd, following a split from FHO Racing. In 2024, he managed only one win—tying with Mike Hailwood’s 14-victory record—after Michael Dunlop’s visor mishap handed him the Superbike race. Hickman also placed second in both Supertwin races and the Superstock battle behind Todd.

His absence is a major blow to the event and ends anticipation of a rematch with 29-time winner Michael Dunlop following tensions at the North West 200. Hickman had voiced frustration there after both he and Dunlop overshot a chicane, with only Hickman attempting to stop. Hickman was irked no action was taken against Dunlop, who went on to win the race. Hickman later hinted it could be his last NW200 appearance and refused to appear on the podium.

With Hickman sidelined, teammate Davey Todd now leads 8TEN Racing’s TT challenge, alongside top rivals including Michael Dunlop and Honda’s Dean Harrison—both showing strong form in all categories so far.

Fellow rider Tom Weeden was also injured in a separate crash at Glen Helen during the same session. He was also airlifted to Noble’s Hospital where he is recovering from back, leg, and ankle injuries.

2025 Isle of Man TT Superbike Qualifying 4