Historic Torrens Trophy honour 'especially poignant' for Clive Padgett after sad passing of his father and Padgett's Motorcycles founder Peter in June
Padgett’s Motorcycles has been honoured with the prestigious Torrens Trophy by the Royal Automobile Club in acknowledgement of more than six decades of contribution to British motorcycle racing.
The historic trophy is presented only in exceptional circumstances and 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.
Past winners include Northern Ireland’s Jonathan Rea, who received the rare accolade after becoming the first rider to win three consecutive World Superbike titles in 2017.
Yorkshireman Ian Hutchison also received the trophy in 2015 ‘for his outstanding determination, courage and overcoming adversity to win multiple TTs’, while Cal Crutchlow was honoured after becoming the first British rider to win a premier class World Championship Grand Prix in 35 years in 2016.
Hutchinson famously won five races in a week at the Isle of Man TT in 2010 with the Padgett’s team and remains the only rider to achieve the feat.
Over more than 60 years, Padgett’s has supported more British riders than any other team across a wide range of championships, from the TT to British Superbikes, and Irish road racing to world championships.
The Batley-based team is one of the most successful privateer outfits in motorcycle racing, winning multiple TT races with riders including Bruce Anstey, Hutchinson, John McGuinness and most recently at the Classic TT on the island, where Michael Dunlop won the Lightweight race on the ex-Anstey Honda RS250.
Padgett’s Motorcycles were associated with Grand Prix legends such as Mike Hailwood and Phil Read and has become a benchmark for British motorcycling excellence.
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, described the recognition as “an incredible honour”.
“To receive the Torrens Trophy is an incredible honour for everyone involved with Padgett’s,” he said. “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.”
Twenty-three time TT winner McGuinness, who attended the ceremony with fellow riders including Hutchinson, Davey Todd and Dean Harrison, said he was “privileged” to have been involved with the team.
“Padgett’s is more than just a team, it’s a family,” said the Morecambe man.
“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.”
Hutchinson reflected on his memorable TT five-timer 16 years ago but said his involvement with Padgett’s went far beyond racing.
“Clive and the Padgett’s team have always been very special to me,” said Hutchinson. “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.”