Jonathan Rea’s seemingly never ending stream of awards continued yesterday as he was awarded the prestigious Torrens Trophy by the Royal Automobile Club in London.

First awarded in 1978, in memory of motorcycle journalist Arthur ‘Torrens’ Bourne, the honour is bestowed to individuals or organisations deemed to have made an outstanding contribution to British motorcycling. Such is the nature of the award, it is made only when a recipient is deemed to have made the necessary impact is it awarded, with past winners including TT ace Ian Hutchinson, Cal Crutchlow and James Toseland.

Carole Nash backed Rea received the award following a third successive world superbike title and gained plaudits from a number of leading lights. In presenting the trophy, 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.”

Legendary motorsport commentator Murray Walker OBE added: “As a pathetically failed racing motorcyclist I’d give my eye teeth to have achieved what Jonathan has achieved. To be world champion in something as demanding as the World Superbike Championship is very, very special but to do it three times in succession is quite incredible. Hats off to Kawasaki too. A superlative partnership.”

Rea is currently gunning for an unprecedented fourth title in a row, having taken the championship lead following a win and a fourth place in Thailand last weekend.