Long-standing Isle of Man TT team awarded RAC's historic Torrens Trophy

Padgett’s Motorcycles 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 award recognises an individual or organisation that has made an outstanding contribution to the cause or technical excellence of safe and skilful motorcycling in the UK.

The accolade reflects Padgett’s legacy of more than 60 years of success at the highest levels of international racing and road racing.

Founded by the late Peter Padgett in the 1960s, the Batley-based Yorkshire company 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 TT and British Superbikes to Irish road racing and Grand Prix World Championships.

As one of the most successful privateer teams, Padgett’s has achieved multiple TT victories with riders including Bruce Anstey, and has secured historic success with both John McGuinness and Ian Hutchinson, most notably Hutchy's unprecedented clean sweep of all five solo TT races in 2010.

The latter himself won the Torrens award on the back of that success, joining former island residents Cal Crutchlow and Jonathan Rea in doing so.

Alongside their Mountain Course success, Padgett's has earned a reputation for meticulous preparation, technical expertise and the development of competitive machinery across multiple eras of the sport.

From its early association with Grand Prix legends such as Mike Hailwood and Phil Read, through to its modern-day achievements, Padgett's holds a unique place at the very heart of British motorcycle racing.

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.'

McGuinness 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.'

Hutchy also paid tribute: '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.'