8TEN ready to rock the island

TT’s new superteam unveils trick carbon fibre livery

Having put together their own team back in February, following the surprise demise of the BMW-backed FHO Racing squad, top TT riders Peter Hickman and Davey Todd have unveiled the BMW M 1000 RR machines they’ll race in the big bike races at this year’s Isle of Man TT.

Called 8TEN Racing, the team takes its name from the riders’ TT start numbers and gets backing from the BMW factory and energy drinks giant Monster Energy. Looking resplendent in their carbon fibre fairings, the bikes feature dramatic pink flashes and the distinctive Monster Energy ‘claw’ logo, making it one of the most striking bikes on the grid.

Hickman, a 14-time TT winner and the current lap record holder, and Todd, last year’s Senior TT victor, were signed up to create an all-star team at FHO but, following that team’s withdrawal from racing, their new squad has been formed from the ashes. Co-owned by the riders, it is run from Hickman’s PHR Performance workshops in Lincolnshire and features many of the personnel who enjoyed so much success at FHO Racing.

The team admits it has been behind schedule in its preparations and missed several early season tests. They made their debut in the British Superbike Championship at Oulton Park last weekend, and although results were underwhelming (Hickman scoring a best of 13^th in the opening race) the roads campaign remains the main focus. This weekend the team will be at the famous North West 200 road races in Northern Ireland, the traditional prelude to the Isle of Man TT.

Talking of the project, Todd said:

“Everyone knows we’re a little bit behind to where we want, and need, to be but all the guys at 8TEN Racing have been working incredibly hard and to see the superbike now in its official Isle of Man TT livery is superb; I’m just so excited! I spun some laps on the bike at the recent Oulton Park test and we’re all eager now to get going properly. Pete and I have been working hard, both on and off track, and I just can’t wait to get going. Last year’s TT was incredible for me and we’re all working hard to achieve more of the same in 2025.”

Team Manager Darren Jones confirmed that, despite being behind schedule, 8TEN are still confident of being successful at TT 2025. He said:

There’s no denying it’s been a crazy couple of months because it really has been a crazy couple of months, pulling in every favour known to man from every sponsor, supplier and supporter to make it happen. It’s slowly coming together and although we're not fully there yet, we're not far away.

The team is really motivated to go to the TT and do what we believe both riders can do – let them battle it out on the course and then hopefully come away smiling. I can’t stress how difficult it's been over the last few months, and I’d like to take this opportunity to thank everyone that’s helped us along the way because without the sponsors and suppliers we definitely couldn’t have done it.”

Hickman added: 

“Last year’s TT wasn’t the best for me on the big bikes, we all know that, but I’m aiming to rectify that in 2025. It’s been non-stop since the new team was announced and I can’t thank everyone for their efforts; everyone’s been working above and beyond so to have the bikes looking how they are now is testament to all their hard work. The bikes look absolutely mint and it’s time to go racing now and I can’t wait. The TT is obviously at the top of my agenda and I’m just excited to get back out on the Mountain course.”

Despite being a little behind the 8 ball, 8TEN’s secret may well be the camaraderie in the team. Speaking exclusively to Entire Cover, Hicky said: “We are like a bunch of mates going racing. That’s the best thing about it, but on top of that we’ve got loads of experience and loads of knowledge. (They are) just some really good people!”

As well as racing the BMW M 1000 RR in the Superbike, Superstock and Senior TTs, Hickman and Todd have entries into all the other solo classes. Hicky once again rides a Triumph Street Triple 765 in the two Monster Energy Supersport TTs, as well as a Yamaha R7 in the Supertwin outings - both machines being prepared and entered by PHR Performance. Todd links up with the famed Padgett’s team for the smaller bike races, having a Honda CBR600RR at his disposal in Supersport and a benchmark Paton to ride the Metzeler and Entire Cover insurance Supertwin TTs.

Action kicks off later this month, with a practice week kicking off on Monday 26 May and racing due to commence from Saturday 31 May.