Category: Random

1. Zapp’s i300 Carbon Wins Prestigious Red Dot Product Design Award

   Posted on 12:00pm Saturday 15th Apr 2023

   Zapp Electric Vehicles Limited (“Zapp” or the “Company”), a UK-based, high-performance two-wheel electric vehicle company, has received yet another endorsement for its innovative i300 Carbon Launch Edition with a category win at the internationally renowned Red Dot Award for Product Design.

   Every year, the Red Dot Award: Product Design sets out to find the year’s best products. The products selected by the Red Dot Jury to win an award may be aesthetically appealing, functional, smart or innovative, but what they all have in common is their outstanding design. The Red Dot Jury is made up of a global team of leading design experts.

   Zapp’s Red Dot victory arrives shortly after the Company’s wins at the Good Design Award, the German Design Award, as well as a highly successful night at the E-Mobility awards, held at the British Motor Museum, where Zapp took home an unprecedented three category prizes, along with a further award of merit.

   The Red Dot Award further reinforces the world-class design credentials of Zapp and its debut product, the i300 Carbon, which is now available to pre-order on Zapp’s website www.zappev.com.

   Warin Thanathawee, Chief Design Officer, Zapp, said: “We are absolutely delighted to have won this prestigious Red Dot Award: Product Design. Zapp is very much a design-led company; quality and innovation are at the centre of all that we do, so to have our work recognised by Red Dot’s expert, international jury is a great honour.”

   “For the i300, we’ve created a design that blends old and new, one that simultaneously draws inspiration from the history of two-wheeled transport, and looks towards an exciting, electrified future. We’ve created a totally new design language that conveys Zapp’s technological advancement and high-performance credentials, all through appealing forms that are simple yet elegant.”

   Zapp is a British company on a mission to redefine the electric two-wheeler segment. Zapp’s debut product, the i300 is an urban electric high-performance two-wheeler capable of traditional motorcycle levels of performance in a step-through format, combining ease of use with exhilaration and fun.

   To achieve this, Zapp’s design team created a unique and innovative ‘Z’-shaped exoskeleton architecture. This distinctive design lowers the i300’s weight and centre of gravity to deliver superb on-road performance and handling. The i300 is capable of accelerating from 0-30 mph in just 2.3 seconds and its unique configuration and exoskeleton architecture also meaningfully reduces weight, maximising efficiency and boosting battery range.

   Another key innovation of the i300 is its ultra-portable double battery system. Each battery pack weighs just 6kg and can be charged from 20% to 80% via a standard 220v/110v wall socket in approximately 40 minutes. The portability of the battery packs makes the i300 easy to charge anywhere and at any time without reliance on a public charging network.

   Zapp is committed to Gen-2 sustainable design and production and the i300 exemplifies Zapp’s mission to create truly sustainable products. Not only are most of the i300’s components recyclable, but its exoskeleton architecture lowers the number of components required for assembly, in turn reducing assembly steps and energy used.

   Proposed Business Combination
   On November 22, 2022, Zapp and CIIG Capital Partners II, Inc., a U.S. publicly-listed blank check company (Nasdaq: CIIG) (“CIIG II”), announced that they have entered into a definitive merger agreement (the “Merger Agreement”). Upon closing of the transaction contemplated by the Merger Agreement (the “Business Combination”), the combined company, Zapp Electric Vehicles Group Limited (“Pubco”), a Cayman Islands exempted company, is expected to list its ordinary shares on the Nasdaq Stock Market under the ticker symbol “ZAPP”. The Business Combination is expected to close in the first half of 2023, subject to stockholder approvals and other customary closing conditions.

   About Zapp
   Zapp Electric Vehicles Limited is a British company – run by a team of experts from the mobility industry – on a mission to redefine the electric two-wheeler segment. Zapp created the i300 as an urban electric high-performance two-wheeler capable of traditional motorcycle levels of performance in a step-through format, combining ease of use with exhilaration and fun. The i300 is the first in a suite of high-performance electric two-wheelers expected to come to market from Zapp. Zapp is expected to operate a high-quality direct-to-customer (DTC) experience called DSDTC (drop-ship-direct-to-customer). Customers ordering the i300 online will have their bikes conveniently delivered to their home by “Zappers” who provide at-home inspection, service and support throughout the vehicle ownership lifecycle.

2. All you need to know about motor sports betting

   Posted on 2:00pm Tuesday 11th Apr 2023

   Motor racing is the perfect sport with a huge following around the world. While the drivers race their cars, their fans and betting fans at Netent casinos not on GamStop can also win big money. In addition, it is very important to bet only at reputable and reliable online resources such as starburst not on gamstop, which offers unique features, freespins as well as reliable security features.

   Motorsport betting strategy #1 - Betting on the fastest lap

   This is not the most ordinary idea for a motorsport betting strategy: What if the person who wins the race is not necessarily the fastest? Inexperienced motor racing bettors and casual observers often assume that the fastest one always wins.

   Why is the winner not necessarily the fastest? The usual strategy of the race leader is to slow down to save their tyres, position and fuel. They can win comfortably if they can ensure that the driver who is ahead of them doesn't overtake them in the battle for first place.

   The racer further down the track will do everything they can to catch up to their leader. They often have faster lap times (speeds than the race leader) or even take second and third places. This is a great chance to explore outsiders who may not be favourites to win this race.

   Double odds betting markets can allow you to put money on the favourite to win (usually the reigning champion). You can also choose the driver who you think will post the fastest lap in the race. This strategy is great for live betting and qualifying rounds leading up to the main race.

   Motorsport betting strategy #2. What about the top 10?

   High turnover in motorsport is often a hallmark. This applies to engines and cars as well as drivers. It often leads to disappointing or unpredictable results, and sometimes the favourite (or favourites) are eliminated too early.

   Leading motorsports, such as Formula 1, focus on more than just who will win the race. While the winner gets all the awards, points and champagne, motorsport racing is more complicated. The first place winner gets the most points. However, points are also available for third, fourth and tenth places.

   Keep an eye on the top ten finishers and the best drivers who are physically capable of filling these places, and this can increase your betting opportunities on motorsport. You can find markets that allow you to bet on which driver or drivers finish in the top ten or top six . This can help relieve some of the pressure of focusing solely on the winner.

   Use statistics when betting on motorsport

   Motorsport statistics provide useful information that can be used when betting on different races. Statistical analysis helps to determine the relationship between different variables. The player should select the winning variable and any statistics recorded and available to place a bet on the event. In motorsport betting, drivers and teams are judged on their stats and achievements over the season.

   Players should use the statistics and other factors mentioned here to justify the success of the team or driver they wish to bet on to win big. The most important statistics to use in motor sports betting include:

   · The leading driver with the most laps. Your winning strategy will be to pick who wins the fastest lap. Base your predictions on who has led the most laps in races.

   · Most podiums. See how many top three finishes a driver has.

   · Most laps led . Consider the driver with the most laps completed in a season.

   · Highest number of pole positions - Mark the driver who was fastest in qualifying and started first. Consider the driver who led the fastest lap during the race.

   The first step in assessing the condition of the track and the performance of the team for extended stakes is to examine the track itself. Evaluate the length of the track, surface texture and other variables that may affect the race. For example, some teams or drivers may win if the track has tight turns or steep climbs.

   Emphasis on team strength

   Team differences are crucial when you are betting on certain types of motorsport. Formula 1 is the best example, because the gap between the budgets of different teams is evident on the track.

   The leading F1 teams are usually a head above the rest. It is virtually impossible to beat the top teams in a car designed by one of the lesser known teams. The bigger the difference in the race you are going to bet on, the more important it is to carefully analyse what each team has to offer.

   Keep an eye on the weather   

   You cannot ignore the weather when betting on a car race. Conditions can vary widely and each rider's results depend on them for several reasons. First you need to set up your car or bike. Some vehicles are good in good weather, but they can be unlucky in extreme conditions.

   Here are some of the factors that are affected by the weather:

   1. Tyre wear. Getting the most out of tyres before they are replaced is a key component of many motorsport activities, and weather certainly affects tyre wear.

   2. Fuel consumption . Some races currently have no refuelling, but in others this element is still present. Weather conditions can make a crucial difference in terms of consumption.

   3. Grip - The grip of cars and motorbikes on the track is important for their performance. Naturally, extreme conditions such as heavy rain or extreme heat can cause all sorts of problems.

   There are other aspects you have to consider, including the fact that some drivers have a preference for weather conditions. Some have a reputation for coping with bad weather, while others struggle with great difficulties.

   It is also important to realise that some of the biggest surprises happen in extreme conditions. If you are aiming for high motorsport betting odds, bad weather can be your friend.

   F1 Live betting tips

   Live betting on Formula One races is another great option that can open the door to a variety of lucrative bets.

   Watching the Grand Prix unfold and keeping an eye on the details is something that many racing fans do anyway. The question is whether you have the experience to recognise trends and exploit them. Here are the main areas you should follow if you want to bet on F1 live with real money:

   · Race strategy. You should keep an eye on all pit stops and try to figure out each driver's race strategy;

   · Signs of problems - Always check the drivers pace so you can spot any signs of potential performance degradation;

   · Weather forecast - If rain is on the horizon, anything can happen;

   · Pit-stop communication - Listen to the communication between drivers and engineers to get valuable information. If you can follow all of the above and make intelligent F1 betting predictions based on the information, you can definitely win money.

   Those of you wondering where to bet on live Formula One races will be happy to know that the best Formula One gaming sites offer odds during each Grand Prix.

   Betting on Formula 1 futures

   And now for tips on how to bet on Formula One racing futures. Here are the most popular bets of this type:

   · Formula One Championship Winner. You can back any driver to win the Formula

   · One championship at the end of the season;

   · Finishing in the top three is a safer option;

   · F1 Constructors' Championship winners. Betting on the last event of the season.

   · The driver who will win the race. You can support the driver who wins at least one race during the season.

   Look for the best car

   The starting point of almost all bets on the future of Formula One has to do with the teams. The gap between different cars is usually much bigger than the gap between different drivers. Sure, a guy like Lewis Hamilton is clearly better than Valtteri Bottas. But in the past he has suffered defeat at the hands of some of his other teammates in a single season.

   The best drivers on the starting grid are very close in skill level, so the car they drive is likely to be the deciding factor over a long period of time. Don't ignore this when it comes to betting on F1.

   Team atmosphere is crucial

   Even the best driver in the best car may not win a Formula 1 championship if he is constantly at war with his engineers and technical directors.

   There are a lot of big egos involved at the highest level. Sometimes the lack of cohesion can be a huge problem. Every team must work as one; from every engineer, to the driver, to the overall technical management. If unity is lost, results can suffer and this should always be considered when betting on F1 futures.

   Bets on the end of the F1 season

   The funny thing about Formula One is that it combines features of both team and individual sports. Drivers compete for their personal glory, but must also follow the objectives of the constructor they represent.

   The latter becomes painfully obvious towards the end of the F1 season, when the team makes the decisions and the drivers have to follow them. This should be kept in mind when placing bets on F1, as the following scenarios happen almost every year.

   Pushing one of the riders

   If one rider is fighting for the title, his teammate will often give up positions in line with team orders. Or he may have to follow a race strategy designed to slow down his rivals. No risk - when a team is competing for the constructors' cup, which you can read more about on Wikipedia, drivers may be warned not to take risks near the end of the race, rather than trying to overtake their rivals.

   Developing a car for next season

   All F1 teams have limited resources and if they can't get anything in the current season, they allocate it to a car for the next campaign. Results naturally suffer from this approach. Always adjust your F1 betting strategy for each race according to the team's goals later in the campaign.

   Why does the track affect the F1 betting strategy?

   There are many reasons to consider the track when betting on F1 races, because several factors strongly influence the results. Weather conditions. Although the weather conditions at the same track can vary greatly over two consecutive F1 seasons, in most cases they are the same. Humidity, air temperature, track temperature all affect cars in terms of tyre wear, fuel efficiency and overall performance.

   Overtaking places - some tracks have multiple places to overtake, others are limited in this aspect and there is little drivers can do if they fall behind.
   Starting grid. At some Grand Prix you may see a chaotic start and a large number of drivers at the start because of the position on the starting grid. These tracks tend to be more inconsistent in terms of results.
   Driver preference. Every driver loves some tracks and hates others. The confidence of a guy who has won the same race several times before can make a difference.
   
   Motorsport betting offers excellent ways to make money by betting online. Motorsport is no different to other sports betting. You have to use statistics and expert analysis to get your bets right. To succeed in motorsport betting, you must carefully research and gather reliable information.

   The process will involve checking the trends of the driver, the team and the race track. Most importantly, statistics will help improve betting skills, collect reliable data, understand probability and identify variables. Feel free to also learn from other players who have been successful in motorsport betting.

    

    

    

    

    

    

    

    

    

    

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3. SHARK launch the World’s first helmet with integrated brake lights, the SKWAL i3 – ‘Intelligent Visibility’

   Posted on 12:00pm Tuesday 28th Mar 2023

   Take a look at a few of our upcoming events at the Triumph Factory Visitor Experience in Hinckley, including Triumph's collaboration with influential street artist, Dave Bonzai, who specialises in hyper-realistic chrome effect art. Stop by to see this one-of-a-kind piece at the factory for yourself and for a chance to take your own Instaworthy shot.
   A brand synonymous with innovation, SHARK, is pleased to announce the launch of the SKWAL i3 – the brand’s latest UN ECE 22.06 certified full face helmet featuring two brand-new patented technologies and integrated active brake lights for ‘Intelligent Visibility’.

   The innovative safety LED system, tried and tested since the introduction of the SKWAL platform in 2015, has been redesigned with the addition of active brake lights as standard. Designed without the need for Bluetooth or wires, the industry-leading tech uses an inbuilt triaxial accelerometer to activate the bright red LED’s on the rear of the helmet in the event of braking. There are white LEDs located on the front of the helmet for active rider visibility to oncoming traffic. Be Bright, Ride Safe.

   When the unit is turned on, there are a total of three modes to choose from:

   White LEDs on front constantly on – smart brake lights flash when braking.
   White LEDs on front flashing – smart brake lights flash when braking.
   White LEDs on front off – smart brake lights flash when braking.
   The smart brake lights will flash three times per second under steady braking and five times per second under hard braking conditions.

   The integrated battery is charged via a USB-C cable with three hours of charge offering 12 hours of usage. Sleep mode activates after two minutes of no movement and after 24 hours the unit will turn off completely to reserve battery.

   The new SKWAL i3 has a Lexan™ injected Polycarbonate shell and features a new patented rapid, no-tool visor removal system, meaning the Optical Class 1 anti-scratch visor with Pinlock® 70 can be removed easily by simply manoeuvering it upwards and pushing two buttons – to replace simply line up the visor with the markers and push down. There are new Pinlock® tension adjustment pins and a visor locking system with air inlet position.

   There’s an integrated anti-scratch and anti-fog sun visor and intercom compatibility with space for 40mm speakers factored into the multi-density EPS padding. The new patented ergonomic textile fitting system makes it easier for the lining to be removed and replaced.

   The Skwal i3 is the first helmet in the SHARK range to use the new – ‘Best Fit’ by SHARK – following a campaign of 3D head shape scans by the brand. Five highly technical textiles add to the comfort and ‘second-skin’ feel. It fastens using an adjustable micrometric buckle for a secure and personalised fit.

   Available in two shell sizes and in XS-XXL, the SKWAL i3’s design was drawn directly from the world of motorsport and science fiction – the blend of aerodynamics and robotics accentuates the unique signature lighting.

   With an RRP from £239, the SKWAL i3 is available now and in a choice of 13 graphics.

   As additional options, as well as clear there are six visors, including iridium colours and a variety of tints.

   To see the full 2023 range from SHARK or to locate your nearest SHARK Helmet dealer, visit www.nevis.uk.com or call 01425 478936.

4. Essential motorcycle tools and equipment for your garage

   Posted on 12:00pm Tuesday 28th Mar 2023

   Having the right tools and equipment in your garage or workshop is important for you to stay on top of your motorcycle maintenance. Whether you’re a keen enthusiast or a novice wanting to get to grips with the basics, you need the correct tools for the job. Doing your own repairs can save money, increase your skills and knowledge, and allow you to have a lot of fun in the process.

   In this article, we outline the essentials that you should have in your motorcycle workshop.

   Socket sets and spanners

   One of the must-haves in any motorcycle workshop is a socket set. These interchangeable attachments are key in loosening and tightening nuts and bolts that hold integral parts of your motorcycle together.

   Wheel replacements will almost certainly need a socket wrench and the correct-sized attachment to remove and replace the wheel. Spanners are a more manual form of the same tool and are useful when you can’t access a particular area with a socket wrench.

   Torque wrench
   
   A torque wrench does a similar job to a socket wrench but the torque can be set and adjusted depending on how much force you want to put into tightening nuts and bolts. Overtightening can result in damaged fasteners which may be difficult to remove and replace, or even might break entirely.

   Screwdrivers

   A comprehensive set of screwdrivers is also important to tackle many of the exterior tasks that accompany motorcycle maintenance. A range of head sizes and types will give you the versatility to tackle a broad range of tasks such as removing motorcycle bodywork or fitting accessories to your bike.

   Hex keys

   Hex keys (also known as Allen keys) are in a similar bracket to screwdrivers but will allow you to tackle jobs where screwdrivers aren’t appropriate. They can loosen and fasten screws that typically attach parts of the bodywork and join internal components together. With a comprehensive range of screwdrivers and hex keys, you should be equipped for many repairs that you may face.

   Oil and lubricant dispenser   

   Keeping your motorcycle well-oiled, greased and lubricated in the appropriate areas is significant to ensure that it runs smoothly and limits wear and tear. Fluid dispensers, such as these here, allow for easy access and help you to apply fluids where they are needed without creating too much mess.

   Components such as the axle need to be greased in line with the manufacturer’s recommendations, whilst the chain needs to be lubricated every 400-600 kilometres – but check your manufacturer's guidelines if you’re unsure.

   Rags and cloths

   Motorcycle maintenance is a dirty, greasy job so you should have plenty of cleaning supplies to hand. Old rags are handy for wiping grease and oil from your bike, whilst cloths can help to clean and polish the bodywork.

   These are the essential tools and equipment you should have ready in your workshop to deal with the basic repairs and maintenance that you may need to tackle on your motorcycle. More specialised tools will be needed if you are to contend with more serious tasks, but these should give you a good baseline to work from.

    

    

    

    

    

    

    

    

    

    

    

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5. Royal Automobile Club presents Torrens Trophy to MotoGP luminary Mike Trimb

   Posted on 12:00pm Saturday 18th Mar 2023

   MotoGP stalwart Mike Trimby was presented with the Royal Automobile Club’s prestigious Torrens Trophy at the Pall Mall clubhouse in London last night. The award citation paid tribute to Trimby’s tireless work to improve circuit safety and represent the riders, teams and commercial side of MotoGP.

   “Last year was another superb year for motorcycle racing and selecting a winner was no easy task,’ said former racer Barrie Baxter, Chairman of the Torrens Trophy Nominations Committee. ‘Steve Holcombe clinched his seventh World FIM EnduroGP Championship, Brad Ray was crowned British Superbike Champion, and Jane Daniels won the World Enduro Championship for the third time, making her Team GB’s best and most successful enduro racer.
    
   “Finally we decided to honour the man known as ‘the King of the MotoGP paddock’. The Torrens Trophy celebrates an individual or organisation considered to have made an outstanding contribution to motorcycling in Britain. It therefore gives us enormous pleasure to award the 2022 Torrens Trophy to one of the biggest unsung heroes of British motorcycle racing.”
    
   Trimby’s love affair with motorcycles and motorcycle racing started when he was a teenager in the 1960s. He started working as a mechanic for famed tuner Syd Lawton to fund the start of his own racing career, which included rides in the Isle of Man TT and the F750 world championship. In 1978 he was asked to organise the Macau motorcycle Grand Prix, a job he continued doing until 2011. He also launched the Racing and Sporting Show at Alexandra Palace, London, which became a must-do event for race fans.

   Trimby became a major force in the world of Grand Prix racing following a long period of rider unrest in the late 1970s and early 1980s, which included rider strikes at the Austrian and French GPs and an attempt by three-times MotoGP world champion Kenny Roberts and others to organise a rival world championship. The main issues were safety and money.
    
   In 1982 the top riders asked Trimby to represent them in their fight for better conditions. Four years later IRTA (the International Roadracing Team Association) was established to oversee GP racing’s next steps into the modern world. Trimby’s job changed from running a riders’ trade union to a body representing the teams. Today IRTA is still responsible for numerous areas of MotoGP. It works with rights-holder Dorna to contract the teams, organises the paddock and the grid and looks after facilities for non-European races.
    
   From a technical, commercial and safety point of view, MotoGP has never been in a better place, largely thanks to the herculean efforts of Mike Trimby and his wife Irene. For four decades Trimby and IRTA have represented riders and teams in Grand Prix racing, while improving circuit safety, putting the races on TV, organising teams and making sure everyone gets paid. Quite simply, he’s the man who helped make MotoGP the hugely popular spectacle that it is today.

   “I am surprised but honoured to receive this award,” said Trimby. “My achievements were made possible only by the initial support from the leading Grand Prix riders and subsequently the unity of the teams within IRTA, but none of this would have been possible without the partnership with Dorna, which started in 1992. Dorna CEO Carmelo Ezpeleta and his staff are equally passionate about rider safety.
    
   “I also want to share this award with my wife Irene, who has worked with me at Grands Prix since 1982. Whatever achievements I am credited with would not have been possible without her support.”
    
   Numerous racing luminaries were in attendance on the night, from great riders, including John McGuinness, Cal Crutchlow, Niall Mackenzie, James Toseland and Eugene Laverty through to Dorna executives, team owners and team principles.

   “Mike is a key pillar in our sport and a very deserving recipient of this award,’ commented Ezpeleta. “He has been part of Grand Prix motorcycle racing for decades and in our time working together, I have seen the dedication he’s given to the paddock, which has made the sport better and safer than ever. I’m very happy to see his achievements recognised by the Royal Automobile Club and proud to continue working together to keep making MotoGP the best it possibly can be, for everyone – on track, in the paddock and for our millions of fans.’
    
   Three-times World Champion Freddie Spencer was one of many racers to offer his congratulations. “It is truly great news about the well-deserved recognition the Royal Automobile Club is giving to Mike Trimby for all he has contributed to our great sport,” said Spencer. “I started working with Mike 40 years ago and today, as Chairman of the MotoGP Steward Panel as the IRTA representative, it’s a privilege to work alongside him in our mutual goal of providing riders and teams the opportunity to give the fans the safest, most exciting and enjoyable show in motorsport.”

   Among those members of racing management offering their good wishes was Lin Jarvis, Managing Director of Yamaha. “This is a much-deserved reward for Mike’s enormous contribution as the CEO of IRTA,” said Jarvis. “Mike and IRTA have done a great deal towards the safety of the riders, the organisation of the paddock and putting in place a real structure behind the scenes of the MotoGP world. It’s the real backbone of the Championship.”

   • 2021 The Crescent Yamaha team for winning the riders’, teams’ and manufacturers’ titles in the FIM World Superbike Championship.
   • 2020 Emma Bristow for claiming her seventh consecutive FIM Women’s Trial World Championship.
   • 2019 Peter Hickman for his three Isle of Man TT victories and for setting the world’s fastest road race lap record of 136.415mph at the Ulster GP.
   • 2018 Tai Woffinden for being the most successful British speedway rider in history.
   • 2017 Jonathan Rea MBE for being the first rider to win three consecutive World Superbike Championships.
   • 2016 MotoGP racer Cal Crutchlow for being first British rider to win a premier class World Championship Motorcycle Grand Prix in 35 years.
   • 2015 Eleven-time TT winner Ian Hutchinson for his outstanding determination, courage and overcoming adversity to win multiple TTs.
   • 2014 Shane ‘Shakey’ Byrne for becoming the first man in history to be crowned British Superbike Championship on four occasions (2003, 2008, 2012 and 2014).
   • 2013 Tom Sykes for being crowned the 15th World Superbike Champion, the fourth from Great Britain and only the second rider to win for Kawasaki in the series for 20 years.
   • 2008 World Superbike Champion James Toseland was awarded the Trophy for his immense contribution to raising the profile of motorcycle racing in this country.
   • 1998 Ian Kerr of the Metropolitan Police for 20 years of tireless work in promoting safe and responsible motorcycling.
   • 1989 BMW in recognition for its contribution to motorcycle safety through the development of its anti-lock braking system.
   • 1981 Dave Taylor MBE for his vast contribution to motorcycle road safety.
   • 1980 Transport and Road Laboratory.
   • 1979 Lieutenant-Colonel Fredrick Lovegrove OBE.

   The Torrens Trophy
   The Royal Automobile Club has always had a close association with the motorcycling world.  The Club formed the Auto Cycle Club in 1903, which went on to become the Auto Cycle Union in 1947.  The first motorcycle race was held on the Isle of Man in 1905 for cars – two years before the first Tourist Trophy for motorcycles. 
    
   The Torrens Trophy recognises an individual or organisation considered to have made an outstanding contribution to the cause of safe and skillful motorcycling in the United Kingdom, or to have made an outstanding contribution of technical excellence to further the cause of motorcycling in the UK, or to have shown outstanding skill in international motorcycling sporting events in the United Kingdom.
    
   The Torrens Trophy was first awarded in 1978 in memory of Arthur Bourne, a motorcycling journalist who wrote a column under the name ‘Torrens’. Arthur Bourne was also a Vice-Chairman of the Royal Automobile Club. It is awarded only when the Club feels that the achievement justifies it.

   The Club’s Torrens Trophy Nominations Committee consists of Chairman and ex-bike racer Barrie Baxter, Royal Automobile Club Chairman Ben Cussons, double World Champion and past Torrens winner James Toseland, well-respected motorcycle journalist and TT winner Mat Oxley, commentator and former racer Steve Parrish, Club member Robert Bourne (son of motorcycle journalist Arthur Bourne, in whose memory the Trophy is awarded) and Queen of Bikers Maria Costello MBE, who has held the Guinness World Record for being the fastest woman to lap the Isle of Man TT course.
    
   About the Royal Automobile Club
   The Royal Automobile Club was founded in 1897 and its distinguished history mirrors that of motoring itself. In 1907, the Club was awarded its Royal title by King Edward VII, sealing the Club’s status as Britain’s oldest and most influential motoring organisation.

   The Club’s early years were focused on promoting the motor car and its place in society, which developed into motoring events such as the 1000 Mile Trial, first held in 1900. In 1905, the Club held the first Tourist Trophy, which remains the oldest continuously competed for motor sports event. The Club promoted the first pre-war and post-war Grands Prix at Brooklands in 1926 and Silverstone in 1948 respectively, whilst continuing to campaign for the rights of the motorist, including introducing the first driving licences.
   
   Today, the Club continues to develop and support automobilism through representation on the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) and the RAC Foundation while promoting its own motoring events including the Club’s London Motor Week and the RM Sotheby’s London to Brighton Veteran Car Run.
   
   The Club also awards a series of internationally recognised trophies and medals celebrating motoring achievements. These include the Segrave Trophy, the Torrens Trophy, the Simms Medal, the Dewar Trophy and the oldest trophy in motorsport, the Tourist Trophy.