Padgett’s Motorcycles, one of the most respected and successful names in British motorcycle racing, has been awarded the historic Torrens Trophy by the Royal Automobile Club in recognition of more than six decades of outstanding contribution to the sport.
Presented only in exceptional circumstances, the Torrens Trophy recognises an individual or organisation that has made an outstanding contribution to the cause or technical excellence of safe and skilful motorcycling in the United Kingdom.
This rare accolade reflects Padgett’s extraordinary legacy in the sport, spanning more than six decades of success at the highest levels of international racing and road racing. Padgett’s has supported and developed generations of world-class riders, achieving sustained success at the very highest level. Over this period, no other organisation has supported as many British riders across such a wide range of events and championships, from the Isle of Man TT and British Superbikes to Irish road racing and Grand Prix World Championships.
As one of the most successful privateer teams in motorcycle racing, Padgett’s has achieved multiple Isle of Man TT victories with riders including Bruce Anstey, and has secured historic success with both John McGuinness and Ian Hutchinson, most notably Hutchinson’s unprecedented clean sweep of all five solo TT races in 2010. The team has also established an enduring and influential presence at major road racing events, including the North West 200.
From its early association with Grand Prix legends such as Mike Hailwood and Phil Read, through to its modern-day achievements, Padgett’s Motorcycles holds a unique place at the very heart of British motorcycle racing, making the them truly worthy recipients of this prestigious award.
Duncan Wiltshire, Chairman of the Royal Automobile Club, said: “Over the years, Padgett’s has played a pivotal role in shaping British motorcycle racing, supporting and developing generations of world-class riders while maintaining an unwavering commitment to performance and safety, and establishing standards and relationships that have endured across generations.
“Their enduring competitive success, contribution to the advancement of British motorcycling and role in nurturing talent firmly cement their place at the very heart of the sport. This award recognises both their remarkable heritage and their continued influence at the highest level.”
”Clive Padgett, who continues to lead the family-run team, said: “To receive the Torrens Trophy is an incredible honour for everyone involved with Padgett’s. It’s recognition not just of results, but of decades of hard work, passion and commitment to doing things the right way.
On a personal level, this means a huge amount to me and my family. My father, Peter, dedicated his life to building Padgett’s into what it is today, and it’s something I know he would have been immensely proud of. To receive this in the same year that we lost him makes it especially poignant.”
Multiple Isle of Man TT winner John McGuinness MBE added: “Padgett’s is more than just a team, it’s a family. To see them recognised with something as prestigious as the Torrens Trophy is absolutely deserved. They’ve been at the heart of British racing for decades, and I feel privileged to have been part of that story.”
Ian Hutchinson said “Clive and the Padgett’s team have always been very special to me. We had an unbelievable year together in 2010, winning all five solo TT races, but it’s always been about much more than the racing.
“They’ve been there for me through the good times and the tough ones. There’s so much knowledge, passion and hard work behind Padgett’s, but also real loyalty and friendship. They’ve given so much to riders like me and to motorcycle racing. I’m absolutely chuffed to see them win the Torrens Trophy – they really deserve it.”
The Torrens Trophy is awarded only when the Royal Automobile Club considers an achievement or contribution truly worthy of the honour, underlining the significance of Padgett’s Motorcycles joining its distinguished roll of recipients.
About The Royal Automobile Club
The Royal Automobile Club was founded in 1897, and its distinguished history mirrors that of motoring itself. In 1907, the Club was awarded its Royal title by King Edward VII, sealing the Club’s status as Britain’s oldest and most influential motoring organisation.
The Club’s early years were focused on promoting the motor car and its place in society, which developed into motoring events such as the 1000 Mile Trial, first held in 1900. In 1905, the Club held the first Tourist Trophy, one of the oldest continuously run competitive motor sports event. The Club promoted the first pre-war and post-war Grands Prix at Brooklands in 1926 and Silverstone in 1948 respectively, whilst continuing to campaign for the rights of the motorist, including introducing the first driving licences.
Today, the Club continues to develop and support automobilism through representation on the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) and RAC Foundation, while promoting its own motoring events including London Motor Week and the RM Sotheby’s London to Brighton Veteran Car Run. This year the Club’s London Motor Week – including the Motoring Book of The Year Awards – runs from Monday 26 October to Sunday 1 November 2026.
The Royal Automobile Club also awards a series of historically world-famous trophies and medals celebrating motoring achievements. These include the Segrave Trophy, the Tourist Trophy, the Simms Medal, the Dewar Trophy, the Torrens Trophy, the Diamond Jubilee Trophy and the Historic Awards.
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