Peter Hickman has disclosed that he is still experiencing nerve damage from a severe crash he sustained during practice at the Isle of Man TT, several months after the incident. The 14-time Isle of Man TT victor endured various injuries in the crash, which was caused by a faulty exhaust mounting bracket. Despite this, he managed to return to competition, participating in the final round of the 2025 British Superbike season and the Macau Grand Prix.
During a podcast appearance, Hickman shared that the nerve damage in his right shoulder continues to affect him. He explained that he often rides with his elbows tucked in, which is not his usual riding style, because he cannot fully extend them. Although this adjustment doesn’t significantly impact his speed—evidenced by his performance in Macau where he was only 0.2 seconds off his best lap—he struggles with muscle wasting that limits his endurance during races.
Hickman described how his muscles are not functioning as they should, causing him to tire quickly, especially in longer races. He emphasized the need to address this issue in the upcoming winter months. On a positive note, medical reports suggest that his nerves are regenerating, indicating a potential for full recovery, though the process could take years rather than months.
Looking ahead to 2026, Hickman is planning his racing schedule, which includes entering his PHR Performance team in the new World Sportsbike Series under World Superbike. He also shared plans for the 8TEN Racing project, co-owned with Davey Todd, highlighting strong support from BMW and sponsors like Monster. The team aims to compete in major events such as the North West 200, Isle of Man TT, Macau Grand Prix, and possibly the British Superbike Championship, with hopes of fielding a more competitive bike.
Fan Take: Hickman’s resilience and determination to race despite his injury is inspiring and underscores the intense physical demands of motorcycle racing. His comeback and future plans are a testament to his passion and could bring exciting competition and advancements to the sport.
