Torrens Trophy

The Torrens Trophy is awarded to an individual or organisation for demonstrating "Outstanding Contribution to the Cause or Technical Excellence of Safe and Skilful Motorcycling in the UK".^[1] It is named in honour of The Motor Cycle editor and Royal Automobile Club (RAC) vice-president Arthur Bourne, who wrote a column under the pen name Torrens.^[3][4] The RAC established the trophy to recognise "outstanding contributions to motor cycle safety" before extending its purpose to include individuals considered to be "the finest motor cyclists".^[4] The trophy, an eight-pint silver tankard,^[5] has been awarded infrequently since 1979 by the Torrens Trophy Nominations Committee, which is composed of a panel of experts;^[1][6] it is only presented if, in the opinion of the RAC, the achievement can be justified to deserve the award.^[3][6] The winner is honoured at a ceremony at the RAC's Pall Mall clubhouse and headquarters in London.^[6][7]

The inaugural recipient was Frederick Lovegrove in 1979.^[8] It has been awarded to two organisations in its history,^[8] the Transport and Road Laboratory in 1980 for promoting safer motorcycle braking systems^[9] and the German automotive marque BMW nine years later for the development of its anti-lock braking system for its production motorcycles.^[10] Emma Bristow was the first woman motor cyclist to be awarded the accolade when she was named the 2020 recipient.^[11] Since its establishment, the award has not been presented during five periods in history: from 1982 to 1988, between 1990 and 1997, from 1999 to 2007, between 2009 and 2012.^[8] As of 2022^[update], the accolade has been won seventeen times: Superbike riders have won it four times, with road motorbike racers recognised twice, and Grand Prix motorcycle riders and motorcycle speedway competitors honoured once.^[8] The 2023 winner is Moto2 World Championship control three-cylinder engine supplier Triumph Motorcycles Ltd.^[2]