NW200 Event Director Mervyn Whyte pays tribute to Padgett's Motorcycles after Torrens Trophy award

The legendary motorcycle racing team received the prestigious honour in recognition of more than six decades of contribution to British motorcycle racing.

Clive Padgett, who leads the family-run team, received the trophy at the Royal Automobile Club.

Guests included former Padgett’s riders and Isle of Man TT stars Ian Hutchinson and John McGuinness, plus Dean Harrison, Davey Todd and Ben Birchall.

Whyte joined British Superbike Race Director Stuart Higgs and Paul Phillips, Head of Motorsport for the Isle of Man Government, at the award presentation and dinner.

“Many congratulations to Clive Padgett and the Padgett’s team,” said NW200 boss Whyte.

“It was a pleasure to be invited to the presentation at the Royal Automobile Club in London.”

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.

Twenty-three time TT winner McGuinness said he was “privileged” to have been involved with the team.

“Padgett’s is more than just a team, it’s a family,” said McGuinness.

“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, who famously won five races in a week at the TT in 2010 when he rode for the Padgett’s Honda team, added: “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.”