Motorcycle dealers have a long history of taking part in racing. But it’s hard to think of a dealer that’s been more involved in two-wheeled motorsport than Padgett’s of Batley. Founded by Peter Padgett and his brother Don in 1958, it’s been involved in the sport from the start and has been a major race partner for Yamaha, Honda and Suzuki over the decades.
Famously, it was the first Honda Racing Corporation HRC Service Shop in the world outside of Japan in 1993. Padgett’s has also supported some of the biggest race stars since the early 1960s, from Mike Hailwood, Bill Ivy and Phil Read to Ron Haslam, Rob McElnea, Carl Fogarty, John McGuinness and Bruce Anstey. Beyond the glamour of the racing world, Padgett’s has also played a major role in the retail bike scene in the north of England, with an extensive retail operation in Batley, West Yorkshire.
The Padgett family’s racing efforts have now been recognised at the highest level with the award of the Royal Automobile Club’s prestigious Torrens Trophy. According to the club, the trophy is presented only in exceptional circumstances, and it recognises an individual or organisation that has made “an outstanding contribution to the cause or technical excellence of safe and skilful motorcycling in the United Kingdom”.
In addition to its work in short-circuit racing, including BSB, WSBK and GP competitions, Padgett’s has particular expertise in road racing, particularly on the Isle of Man. The team has achieved multiple Isle of Man TT victories with riders including Bruce Anstey and Ian Hutchinson, most notably Hutchinson’s unprecedented clean sweep of all five solo TT races in 2010. The team has also established an enduring presence at events including the North West 200. It has a unique place at the very heart of British motorcycle racing, and the RAC says this makes Padgett’s truly worthy recipients of the Torrens Trophy, named after former RAC vice-president and The Motor Cycle magazine editor Arthur Bourne, who wrote a column under the pen name ‘Torrens’.
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 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 my family and me. My father, Peter, dedicated his life to building Padgett’s into what it is today, and I know he would have been immensely proud of it. To receive this in the same year that we lost him makes it especially poignant.”
John McGuinness, the 23-time TT winner, 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.”
Ian Hutchinson added: “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.”