---
title: "Crutchlow receives prestigious Torrens Trophy"
canonical: "https://readmotorsport.com/2017/01/24/crutchlow-receives-prestigious-torrens-trophy/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Lewis Duncan"
section: "MotoGP News"
published: "2017-01-24T19:48:55Z"
modified: "2017-01-24T19:49:16Z"
---

# Crutchlow receives prestigious Torrens Trophy

LCR Honda’s Cal Crutchlow has been awarded the prestigious Torrens Trophy following a sensational season in which he became Britain’s first premier class race winner in 35 years.

The prize, awarded in honour of former motorcycle journalist Arthur Bourne who wrote under the name of Torrens, is given to those who have been deemed by the Royal Automobile Club to have made an outstanding contribution to bike racing in the United Kingdom.

![Mirco Lazzari gp/Getty Images Sport](https://media.readmotorsport.com/readmotorsport/2017/01/593232266.jpg)

It was first awarded in 1978, and has since only been received by nine others, with Crutchlow joining an elite list that includes 14-time Isle of Man TT winner Ian Hutchinson, five-time British Superbike Champion Shane Byrne and 2013 World Superbike Champion Tom Sykes, among others.

Crutchlow endured a torrid opening half to his 2016 campaign, scoring just 20 points after eight races on his satellite Honda. At the German Grand Prix he turned around his fortunes and finished second, while going one better two rounds later at Brno where he beautifully judged the tricky conditions to win his first grand prix.

The Briton qualified on pole for his home race at Silverstone two weeks later and went on to battle hard with the likes of Marc Marquez and Valentino Rossi to finish second. A second win followed in the dry at Phillip Island, making him the first Brit to win multiple premier class races in a season since 1979.

“I feel very privileged that the Royal Automobile Club considers me worthy of it,” Crutchlow said at the prize giving lunch at the RAC’s premises on Pall Mall.

“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.”

![Quinn Rooney/Getty Images Sport](https://media.readmotorsport.com/readmotorsport/2017/01/617317800.jpg)

Chairman of the Torrens Committee and former racer Barrie Baxter expressed his delight at being able to bestow such a prestigious award unto the ‘fearless’ LCR rider.

“Cal Crutchlow is one of the most fearless riders in MotoGP. Last season, Crutchlow became the first Brit to win a premier class race since Barry Sheene in 1981 when he triumphed in the Czech Grand Prix at Brno. It gives me great pleasure to present the 2016 Torrens Trophy to Cal in recognition of his outstanding achievement.”

Crutchlow will head off to Malaysia and the Sepang International Circuit in a few days’ time along with the rest of the MotoGP paddock for the first test of the year ahead of the new season.