World Superbike (WSBK) Champion Tom Sykes has been awarded the RAC Torrens Trophy at a special ceremony in London, becoming the seventh recipient of the prestigious title since the award was introduced in 1978, Bike Sport News has reported.
The trophy was handed to Sykes by the previous winner, two-time WSBK champion James Toseland. The trophy is awarded to organisations and individuals that have made an outstanding contribution to the cause of skilful and safe motorcycling in the United Kingdom.
Commenting on the award, Sykes said that he feels privileged to be considered worthy of the prestigious trophy by the Royal Automobile Club. He added that it has taken him a lot of hard work and time to get as far as he is today, and it is an honour for him to be recognised by such prominent names in the industry.
Sykes narrowly missed out on the 2012 WSBK championship by only half a point, but after the winter break he came back in 2013 highly motivated, Toseland said. Sykes’ race at Magny Cours was impressive and he was concentrated and consistent despite the horrible conditions, he added. According to Toseland, winning the Torrens Trophy and being recognised by the Royal Automobile Club is a “great achievement.”
Four-time WSBK Champion Carl Fogarty also congratulated Sykes and said that the biker deserved the trophy especially when he was so close to winning it before.