​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.