The Sunbeam MCC is delighted to announce that 19 year old GrassTrack and Speedway Rider Luke Harris has been adjudged the winner of The Pinhard Trophy for 2017.
This is one of the UK’s most prestigious awards, the giant 3-gallon cup having been presented since 1950 to the best Under-21 year old sporting motorcyclist competing under ACU or SACU jurisdiction.
2017 has been a further successful year for Luke winning yet another British GrassTrack Title after winning three titles last year. This year he was also active with 2 Speedway teams. Reading Racers and Cradley Heathens; captaining the Racers to a League title. He has been riding since he was 3 years old and the Judges were impressed by his efforts in supporting other youngsters just starting out. He still helps his Dad setting up and clearing local grass tracks. As an ambassador for the sport he has appeared on the BBC to represent Reading Racers.
Luke has been entering for the Pinhard for three years and at last his perseverance has paid off. On hearing of his win Luke said, "Thank you to everyone who has judged me as the winner of the Pinhard Trophy. It is such a prestigious award to win and I am very thankful to be chosen. A big thank you to Terry Golds who has been sponsoring me for the past 3 years, his help has been very much appreciated! Thank you also to The Sunbeam Motorcycle Club for allowing me to be a part of this great award!" Luke faced stiff competition and voting was extremely close. Presentation of the Trophy will be at the ACU Awards Dinner on 13th January.
Previous winners are a list of motorcycling greats over the last 67 years who have excelled in all spheres of the sport including Mike Hailwood, Jeff Smith, Bill 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. Last year’s winner was Trials Rider Jack Peace.
Sunbeam MCC awards the trophy in memory of Frederick William Pinhard who died in 1948 whilst serving as Secretary of the Club.
Judges were editors of leading motorcycle periodicals, General Secretary of the ACU, President of Sunbeam MCC and 2 officials appointed by Sunbeam MCC.