The Torrens Trophy
For ‘Outstanding Contribution to the Cause or Technical Excellence of Safe and Skilful Motorcycling in the UK’, the Torrens Trophy was first inaugurated in 1978 in memory of Arthur Bourne, a motorcycling journalist. Writing a column under the name Torrens, Bourne was also a vice-chairman of the Royal Automobile Club.
The trophy is awarded to an individual or organisation considered to have made an outstanding contribution in the United Kingdom to:
- The cause of safe and skilful motorcycling
- Technical excellence to further the cause of motorcycling
- Showing outstanding skill in international motorcycling sporting events.
The Royal Automobile Club has always had a close association with the motorcycling world. The Club formed the Auto Cycle Club in 1903, which went on to become the Auto Cycle Union in 1947. The first Tourist Trophy race was held on the Isle of Man in 1905 for cars ‒ two years before the first TT for motorcycles.
Latest Winner
Triumph Motorcycles is the latest winner of the prestigious Torrens Trophy for its sterling work in the Moto2 World Championship.
Previous Winners
2022
MotoGP stalwart Mike Trimby for his tireless work to improve circuit safety and represent the riders, teams and commercial side of MotoGP.
2021
The Crescent Yamaha team for winning the riders, teams & manufacturers titles in the 2021 FIM World Superbike Championship.
2020
Emma Bristow for claiming her 7th consecutive FIM Women’s Trial World Championship.
2019
Peter Hickman for his three Isle of Man TT victories and for setting the world’s fastest road race lap record of 136.415 mph at the Ulster GP.
2018
Tai Woffinden for being the most successful British speedway rider in history.
2017
Jonathan Rea MBE for being the first rider to win three consecutive World Superbike Championships.
2016
MotoGP racer Cal Crutchlow for being first British rider to win a premier class World Championship Motorcycle Grand Prix in 35 years.
2015
Eleven-time TT winner Ian Hutchinson for his outstanding determination, courage and overcoming adversity to win multiple TTs.
2014
Shane ‘Shakey’ Byrne for becoming the first man in history to be crowned MCE Insurance British Superbike Championship on four occasions (2003, 2008, 2012 and 2014).
2013
Tom Sykes for being crowned the 15th World Superbike Champion, the fourth from Great Britain and only the second rider to win for Kawasaki in the series for 20 years.
2008
World Superbike Champion James Toseland was awarded the Trophy for his immense contribution to raising the profile of motorcycle racing in this country.
1998
Ian Kerr MBE of the Metropolitan Police for 20-years of tireless work in promoting safe and responsible motorcycling.
1989
BMW in recognition for their contribution to motorcycle safety through their development of their anti-lock braking system.
1981
Dave Taylor MBE for his vast contribution to motorcycle road safety.
1980
Transport and Road Laboratory.
1979
Lieutenant-Colonel Fredrick Lovegrove OBE.
