James Toseland collects prestigious award

James Toseland has collected a prestigious award on the eve of his British MotoGP debut this weekend.

The 27-year-old picked up the Torrens Trophy from The Royal Automobile Club in London today (Monday) for his outstanding skill in international motorcycling sporting events in the United Kingdom.

The Torrens Trophy is named after the famous motorcycling journalist Arthur Bourne, whose nom-de-plume was ‘Torrens’ and is presented by The Royal Automobile Club to an individual or organisation who has made an outstanding contribution in the world of motorcycling in the UK.

This is only the sixth time the Torrens Trophy has been awarded since the first presentation to Frederick Lovegrove in 1979.

Toseland said: “It’s a real honour to receive the Torrens Trophy, which hasn’t been awarded for 10 years now and there have been a lot of successful people in the last 10 years; so for me to get it is very humbling. 

“The one thing about awards is I get a lot of trophies on the any occasions I get on the podium, which is a bit of the icing on the cake after winning the race but awards like the Torrens Trophy are extra special.

“I put a lot of effort in as because this is a job I love doing but it is the actual recognition from a Club like The Royal Automobile Club. This a great start to such an important week, with the British Grand Prix at Donington Park. 

“It gives me such a proud feeling to represent my country in MotoGP and there is a real possibility of a podium finish for the fans and everybody involved in my home Grand Prix,” said the Tech 3 Yamaha rider, who won two World Superbike championships in 2004 and 2007.

Ben Cussons, Chairman of The Royal Automobile Club Motoring Committee said: “The Royal Automobile Club is delighted to award James Toseland the Torrens Trophy who is a worthy recipient for his achievements on the world stage and for his immense contribution to raising the profile of motor cycle racing in this country.”

Previous winners of the Torrens Trophy include BMW in 1989 in recognition for their contribution to motorcycle safety through their development of their anti-lock braking system and in 1998 to Ian Kerr of the Metropolitan Police for 20-years of tireless work in promoting safe and responsible motorcycling. 

James Toseland becomes the first recipient since Ian Kerr to receive the Torrens Trophy.