FHO Racing Implodes as Peter Hickman and Davey Todd Leave
Just a few months after it was confirmed that Peter Hickman would be joined at FHO Racing by Davey Todd, confirmation of a shocking split has taken place
FHO Racing is set for major changes in 2025 as Peter Hickman and new team-mate Davey Todd are no longer part of the plan, despite being signed in November by the Faye Ho-owned team.
Hickman, who has been part of FHO Racing for several years in both BSB and on the roads, was set to link up with Todd, a first-time Isle of Man TT winner in 2024 as they looked to form one of the strongest lineups on the road racing scene. However, a shocking split has now taken place.
The news comes after a decision was taken by team owner Faye Ho to increase the support for women in racing, while also “pushing motorsport activities in Asia”, say BritishSuperbike.com
What that’s led to is a big reshuffle as Hickman and Todd will instead race for the new 8TEN Racing team aboard factory-supported M1000 RR machinery. For FHO Racing, the team will continue to race in BSB but with Ilya Mikhalchik taking the lead.
The decision by FHO, which has led to a surprising departure for both Hickman and Todd, comes after the team decided not to renew its partnership with another big-name in the form of Josh Brookes, who had initially been replaced by Todd.
A statement from Ho said: “I am a strong advocate of the British Superbike Championship, one of the most entertaining and competitive series in the world,” she said.
“However, with my long-term goals looking to push motorsports activities in Asia, as well as to keep supporting young women with opportunities in racing, I’ve come to realise I cannot fully commit to the previous levels of time that I have given to BSB and road racing since becoming team owner in 2021 with additional commitments I have back at home in Macau.
"With the support of BMW Motorrad Motorsport, and my continued passion for BSB, we have altered our approach to run a one-rider team for the 2025 season, with the very talented Ilya Mikhalchik joining us as current IDM Superbike champion and I am excited to see what he can achieve.”
Alongside their commitments for the new 8TEN Racing Team on the roads, Hickman and Todd will also be lining up for the team in BSB.
British Superbike director Stuart Higgs added: “I visited BMW Welt in Munich last December and had the opportunity to take a tour of the impressive facility and meet the BMW Motorrad Motorsport executive and management team. Since then an opportunity arose to evolve the structure of their UK domestic racing activity.
“Ilya Mikhalchik is a multiple IDM Superbike Champion and FIM Endurance World Championship race winner with BMW Motorrad and will be a fantastic international addition to the BSB grid with Faye’s [Ho] established FHO Racing team.
"We will also continue to see seven-time BSB race winner Peter Hickman and reigning National Superstock Champion Davey Todd line-up under the new 8TEN Racing team banner when the season gets underway in April, strengthening BMW Motorrad’s presence in the series.”
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After graduating with a sports journalism degree, Robert joined Crash.net to lead the WorldSBK coverage in 2021, while also providing MotoGP coverage. Fulfilling that role for over three years, Robert was able to put his knowledge about all things racing to the test.
