Kent SLYDE Kings’ teenaged starlet James Shanes has been acknowledged for his exceptional track racing achievements last year by the award of the Pinhard Trophy for 2015.

Presented by the world renowned Sunbeam Motorcycle Club, the Pinhard Trophy is one of the UK motor sport’s most prestigious awards, the giant three-gallon cup having been presented since 1950 to the best Under-21 year old sporting motorcyclist competing under Auto Cycle Union [ACU] or Scottish ACU jurisdiction.

2015 was certainly a fantastic year for the Kent SLYDE Kings’ rider Shanes, who won two British titles (the Sand Ace and the Grasstrack Masters), an FIM Gold Medal as part of the

quartet that brought the Don Godden Trophy presented to the World Longtrack Team Champs back to the UK for the first time, an FIME Silver Medal for second place in the European grasstrack Championship plus a host of top results on the domestic scene.

The Pinhard Judges were particularly impressed by James’ commitment at grass-roots level – mentioning how he rolls up his sleeves at events to help set up and dismantle grass tracks for racing and attending promotional events.

On hearing of his success the 18 year old who will be lining up for his second season at Central Park this year commented,

“I am delighted to have won the Pinhard Trophy. I have had the most amazing year, and this really is the icing on the cake – thank you Sunbeam MCC”
The Presentation of the hugely impressive trophy will be at the ACU Awards Dinner on 24^th.January.

Previous winners are a list of British motorcycling greats over the last 60 years, who have excelled in all spheres of the sport including nine-times World Road Racing champion, the late Mike Hailwood; twice World Motocross Champion Jeff Smith; legendary hill-climber, Scott Ellis; plus a host of others who have gone on to be national and international household names.

Picture supplied by HMX Images.