WSB champ Sykes rewarded for skilful riding

World Superbike champion Tom Sykes has been awarded the RAC Torrens Trophy for his contribution to safe and skilful motorcycling.

The British Kawasaki team rider was presented with the award at the Royal Automobile Club, Pall Mall, London.

This is only the seventh time the trophy has been presented since its inception in 1978.

‘I feel very privileged that the Royal Automobile Club considers me worthy of it,’ said 28 year-old Tom. ‘It’s taken a long time, and a lot of hard work, and it’s an honour to be recognised by such well-respected industry figures. I am very proud.’

Last year Tom Sykes was crowned the fifteenth World Superbike Champion, the fourth from Great Britain and only the second rider to win for Kawasaki in the series for 20 years.

‘The Torrens Trophy is awarded for outstanding contribution to the cause of safe and skilful motor cycling in Britain,’ said Ben Cussons, chairman of the RAC’s Motoring Committee. ‘It is only awarded when we think justified, and Tom’s is an outstanding achievement.’

As World Champion, Tom Sykes follows in the footsteps of other great British riders Carl Fogarty, Neil Hodgson and James Toseland, who himself won the award in 2008.

‘Tom had a tough time in the 2012 season, losing the World Superbike title by just half a point,’ commented Toseland; ‘But after the winter break he came back more motivated and more determined in 2013. I watched the race at Magny Cours and was really impressed by how focused and consistent he was in such terrible conditions. It’s a great achievement to win the Torrens Trophy and be recognised by such an established and respected organisation as the Royal Automobile Club.’

Four-time World Superbike champion Carl Fogarty also had kind words for Tom: ‘Congratulations and good on you, mate, well deserved. I’m really pleased for you – especially when you came so close before. It’s a great achievement and I am sure you will win again this season. When you notch up another 58 race wins, and a few more World Superbike Championships, please can you call it a day and walk away! Only joking, I am a big fan, well deserved.’