Triumph’s Moto2 efforts recognised
Hinckley firm receive prestigious Torrens Trophy for grand prix racing contribution
Triumph have been awarded the Torrens Trophy for 2023, receiving the accolade for their supply of engines to the Moto2 world championship.
Entering their sixth season powering the class, and already signed up until 2029, Triumph’s Street Triple-derived 765 motor has completed around 1.3m kilometres of combined competition – with 21 different riders taking victory in that time at speeds of up to 190mph.
“It’s absolutely fantastic that we have been recognised for our contribution to what is one of the best global motorcycle sporting events – Moto2,” Triumph’s Chief Commercial Officer, Paul Stroud told MCN. “We’ve been a partner for five seasons, we’re coming into our sixth season, and we’ve extended our contract with Dorna, which is absolutely fantastic.”
He continued: “There’s so many unsung heroes that have helped bring this project to fruition and it’s just fantastic recognition.”
Presented to CEO Nick Bloor on Tuesday, January 9, at the Royal Automobile Club in London, the Torrens Trophy is voted for by a committee of members and is awarded to the highest achievers in British motorcycling – be that racers, manufacturers, innovators, or anyone else.
Receiving the trophy on stage alongside former racer and host Steve Parrish, Bloor said: “A huge thank you to the Royal Automobile Club, to the Chairman, and to the Torrens committee, it’s an absolute privilege to receive this award.
“It’s a huge undertaking, it’s the first time we’ve stepped into this arena, and it takes everyone across the whole business.”
Past winners have included the likes of World Superbike champions James Toseland, and Tom Sykes, as well as Dave Taylor MBE back in 1981 for his contributions to road safety.
“Triumph is a remarkable UK business. It’s a business built on passion and engineering excellence,” Chairman of the Royal Automobile Club and Torrens Trophy Nominations Committee member Ben Cussons told MCN.
“If it wasn’t for Triumph, we wouldn’t have a motorcycle industry in this country. They have transformed the manufacture of motorcycles, and it is a bold move to go into the white heat of Moto2.
“There’s no tolerance for failure, so to take their engine there was a bold move and they’ve clearly produced a good engine. I went to the British Grand Prix, and you walk down the pit road and talk to the teams, and they really like the engine, and they really like working with Triumph.”
‘Bold move to go into the white heat of Moto2’
Alongside showcasing Triumph’s sporting credentials on a world stage, the firm’s involvement with Moto2 has had benefits for the development of road-going bikes.
Paul Stroud explained: “I cannot think of a harsher environment in which to test the engine.
“We’re constantly working to increase performance and when we started in the championship back in 2019, the Street Triple RS then offered 121.3bhp and today it offers 128.2bhp. That has been made possible through the participation within Moto2.
“Also, this year, the championship is being powered by a mix of sustainable fuels (E40) and what that starts to help us navigate our way forward in terms of delivering against the Government requirements for net zero.”