Padgett’s Motorcycles awarded Royal Automobile Club Torrens Trophy
Padgett’s Motorcycles has been awarded the RAC Torrens Trophy in recognition of more than six decades of contribution to British motorcycle racing.
Padgett’s Motorcycles has been awarded the Torrens Trophy by the Royal Automobile Club, recognising the family-run business’s contribution to British motorcycle racing over more than six decades.
The Torrens Trophy is awarded only in exceptional circumstances to an individual or organisation that has made an outstanding contribution to safe, skilful motorcycling or technical excellence in the UK.
Padgett’s now joins a long and star-studded list of previous recipients of the historic award.
The Yorkshire-based organisation has been involved in motorcycle racing at the highest level for more than 60 years, supporting riders across disciplines including the Isle of Man TT, British Superbikes, Irish road racing and Grand Prix racing.
Its TT record includes multiple victories with riders including Bruce Anstey, John McGuinness and Ian Hutchinson. Hutchinson’s 2010 TT campaign, when he won all five solo races, remains one of the most remarkable achievements in the event’s history.
Padgett’s has also maintained a long-running presence at other major road races, including the North West 200. Its racing history stretches back to the likes of Mike Hailwood and Phil Read and continues today under Clive Padgett, who leads the family business.
Duncan Wiltshire, chairman of the Royal Automobile Club, said Padgett’s had played a “pivotal role” in British motorcycle racing by supporting and developing riders while maintaining a focus on performance and safety.
Clive Padgett said the award recognised decades of work by the people involved with the company, as well as the legacy of his father Peter Padgett, who built the business into what it is today.
The award also comes in a particularly significant year for the Padgett family, following the death of Peter Padgett.
Multiple TT winner John McGuinness MBE, who has raced for Padgett’s, described the organisation as “more than just a team” and said its recognition with the Torrens Trophy was deserved.
Ian Hutchinson, who won all five solo TT races for Padgett’s in 2010, also praised the team’s knowledge, loyalty and support throughout his career.
The Royal Automobile Club was founded in 1897 and has awarded the Torrens Trophy alongside a number of other historic motoring honours, including the Segrave Trophy, Tourist Trophy and Dewar Trophy.
The Torrens Trophy is not awarded every year, with the RAC deciding when an achievement or contribution is considered worthy of the honour.
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Simon (AKA Toad) has been working within the motorcycle industry for more than twelve years, and a member of the motorcyclist family since birth. Growing up around British-built single and twins, it was inevitable that a life on two wheels was on the cards, from a very early age!
