News

Sheppard wins Pinhard Trophy
Manchester - Great Britain - 13/01/12

Eighteen-year old Jack Sheppard from Ipswich, Suffolk has been announced as the winner of the famous Pinhard Trophy for 2011, in recognition for his efforts to win last year´s FIM Youth Trial World Championship.

This is one of the UK´s most prestigious awards, the giant three-gallon cup having been presented since 1950 to the best under twenty-one year old sporting motorcyclist competing under ACU or SACU jurisdiction.

On being told of his success, Jack said "I am delighted and honoured to be chosen to receive this award. Last year was very tough for me, as I was suffering with a bone condition in my wrist, however with the support of the Jitsie and Beta team I not only managed to finish the season, but achieve our goals of becoming World Youth and European Junior Champion."

"It is a real honour to now have my name on the trophy alongside great names in motorsport such as John Surtees, Dougie Lampkin and so many more including a good friend of mine Jack Challoner who was last year´s winner. I would also like to thank all the people who nominated me and the people who voted for me. Thanks to everyone who made it possible."

Previous winners are a list of motorcycling greats over the last sixty years who have excelled in all spheres of the sport including Mike Hailwood, Jeff Smith, Brian Martin, Roy Peplow, Dan Shorey, Scott Ellis, Alexz Wigg and a host of others who have gone on to be national and international household names.

Jack´s entry was from his club Ipswich MCC and the judges were impressed to hear that Jack still finds time to help in marking out and marshalling at club trials. The Sunbeam MCC awards the trophy in memory of Frederick William Pinhard who died in 1948 whilst serving as Secretary of the Club. The judges were editors of leading motorcycle periodicals, the general secretary of the ACU and officials from Sunbeam MCC.