Grass tracker Shanes wins Pinhard Trophy

Grass track racer James Shanes has won the prestigious Pinhard Trophy, awarded annually by the Sunbeam Motorcycle Club to the best under-21 competitor racing under an ACU licence.

Shanes has had an impressive year in 2015, taking two British titles, an FIM Gold Medal, an FIME silver medal and a host of top results both in Britain and across Europe.

He also impressed judges with his commitment at grass-roots level, helping to set up and dismantle tracks for racing and attending promotional events.

“I am delighted to have won the Pinhard Trophy. I have had the most amazing year, and this really is the icing on the cake – thank you Sunbeam MCC!”

Previous winners of the trophy are a list of motorcycling greats over the last 60 years, including Mike Hailwood, Jeff Smith, Bill Martin, Roy Peplow, Dan Shorey, Scott Ellis, Alexz Wigg and a host of others who have gone on to be national and international household names. Last year’s winner was Long Tracker Zach Wajtknecht.

Sunbeam MCC awards the trophy in memory of Frederick William Pinhard who died in 1948 whilst serving as Secretary of the Club.