Jonathan Rea wins Torrens Trophy

The award, given out by the Royal Automobile Club, is handed out in recognition of a significant achievement in motorcycling made by an individual or organisation.

Rea was announced as the 2017 winner after he became the first man in history to win three World Superbike championships in a row.

Barrie Baxter, Chairman of the Torrens Trophy Nominations Committee, said: “It gives me great pleasure to present the 2017 Torrens Trophy to Jonathan in recognition of his outstanding achievement. Aside from his remarkable talent, he’s a huge credit to our sport and is raising the profile of motorcycle racing in this country.”

Former two-times World Superbike Champion and 2008 Torrens recipient James Toseland added: His level of consistency, dedication and focus is unheard of. I’m sure that he can equal Carl Fogarty’s record of four titles this year. He’s definitely up there as one of the greatest superbike riders, without question.”

Rea beat Leon Haslam, who was carried with a broken ankle, wrist and thumb to congratulate British Superbike championship winner Shakey Byrne, and Sam Sunderland whose 2017 Dakar victory made him the first British rider to win the event since its inception.