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Gareth Fullerton

Davey Todd on his love for the North West 200, 'hectic' speeds and Northern Ireland fans

From clocking speeds in excess of 200mph, to navigating the undulating bends of the coast road, Davey Todd admits it's hard not to love the North West 200.

The Saltburn rider claimed his second win on the Triangle circuit with a stunning victory in Thursday night's opening Supersport race, taking the chequered flag from Alastair Seeley following a thrilling duel on the north coast.

Todd has emerged as a leading light in road racing, having made his North West 200 debut in 2018 when he was crowned best newcomer.

Read more: Peter Hickman confirms North West 200 plans after FHO Racing BMW exit

The 27-year-old says the international road race "feels like home", such is the welcome he and his Milenco by Padgett's Honda team receives.

And he hopes his Northern Ireland fans can carry him to more glory on Saturday when he competes in another four races.

"I do feel like I have a lot of fans here. It does feel like a bit of a home race because I have loved coming here since I first came over to Northern Ireland in 2017," Todd told Belfast Live.

"Ever since then everything has felt like home and I am treated like family here. Genuinely, it feels like a home race which is a real nice thing.

Davey Todd (Milenco by Padgetts) races to victory in Thursday's Supersport race (Rod Neill Pacemaker Press International/NW200)

"Everyone is bike mad, and that definitely makes me feel at home."

He added: "I had four seconds last year and broke two lap records. I had a bit of bad luck in the Superstock race which is one we should have won.

"It was a mad week and it was exciting to be in the mix for a win in every race. It was a really close one to the finish line.

"I am glad I made the racing exciting for everyone, and hopefully it's the same this year but with the positions reversed."

Todd admits racing a motorcycle at over 200mph can be a bit "hectic", and says the Triangle circuit presents a stern test for any rider.

"Honestly, it's incredible. It takes some getting used to, going 200mph down that back straight is hectic," he smiles.

"And then there is the coast road which is really exciting and definitely a lot different. It tests you in a number of different ways and you have to be good on the brakes, which I have always been strong at.

"You need that for the corners and chicanes, and getting a good exit is important as well. But I love the whole experience of the North West, on and off the course. It is brilliant from start to finish.

"I didn't know much about the North West before I made my debut. Obviously I did my research on the track, but I didn't know a whole lot about it.

"I decided to come here and see how we got on. To be honest the TT took a lot of the focus that year I made my debut. I was a TT newcomer that same year, so that took a lot of my time away from everything.

Davy Todd is all smiles after winning Thursday's Supersport race (Stephen Davison/Pacemaker Press/NW200)

"Then when I got to the North West I was thinking, 'have I thought about this enough?' and things like that. But it went really well.

"Everyone speaks highly of it being a great, fun week. So I try and enjoy it."

Todd clinched the British Superstock championship last year before moving up to the Superbike class this term.

He has also been prolific in the road racing scene, having competed at several events including the Isle of Man TT, Armoy and Ulster Grand Prix.

"I have done everything when it comes to road racing, probably more than most. I have done the North West, Isle of Man TT, Armoy, Ulster Grand Prix," he said.

"In 2019 I did all the Irish national races, the Skerries, Cookstown, Tandragee, Walderstown, Faugheen. And in 2019 I did the European road race championship and raced that championship the whole year.

"I guess I have done everything.

"Road racing is a totally different thing. I love riding the circuits, I love riding the road races.

Davey Todd says the North West 200 is a race unlike any other (Stephen Davison/Pacemaker Press)

"There is nothing that beats the atmosphere or spectacle of road racing, to be honest. You don't get the same thing on a short circuit.

"While the racing is really good, and really aggressive, you never see the risk or the speed that you do on a road race.

"It is something I really enjoy."

Todd will be determined to double up on Supersport wins on Saturday, while Alastair Seeley appears the man to beat in the Superstocks following the Carrick man's dominant win in the class on Thursday.

And Todd believes good pal Glenn Irwin remains the man to beat in the Superbike class, despite Irwin's struggles in qualifying on the BeerMonster Ducati.

"Definitely on the big bike Glenn is the one to beat. You would be mad to look past Glenn," Todd said.

"Glenn is a good mate of mine, and we chat a lot away from the circuit about racing, and about other stuff. It was really fun in that first Superbike race last year.

"We had a battle from start to finish and it is really fun. A hard, clean battle and you go over the line with your mate and shake hands afterwards.

"That's what it's all about. But I would like to come out on top this time!"

Saturday's revised schedule

  • RACE 1 Milltown Service Statiion Supertwin Race ( 4 Laps)
  • RACE 2 Tides Restaurant Supersport Race (6 laps)
  • RACE 3 Anchor Bar Superbike Race (6 laps)
  • RACE 4 J.M Paterson Supertwin Race (4 laps)
  • RACE 5 CP Hire Superstock Race (6 laps)
  • RACE 6 Merrow Hotel and Spa NW200 Superbike Race (6 laps)

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