Once again, the ACU celebrated in style the achievements of our World, European and British Champions from Road Racing, Motocross, Trials, Enduro, Grass Track and Supermoto at The Annual ACU Awards and Presentations held at the Park Inn Hotel in Northampton on Saturday 30^th January.

Traditionally, the Youth Presentations were held in the afternoon, and 280 guests were delighted when John Collins, the Trials & Enduro Committee Chairman started the proceedings by introducing the triumphant FIM Womens Trials Des Nation’s team – Becky Cook, Emma Bristow and Joanne Coles to present the Trials Awards. This was followed by Tony Noel welcoming Lewis Denham, the ACU/Speedway Star 500cc Solo Masters Champion to present the Track Racing Awards and finally, Gary Thompson invited Paul Winrow, ten times ACU Quad Champion to present the Motocross and Quad Awards.   Awards winners, some as young as six years of age were invited to collect their well earned trophy for their performances in 2009 and, with great pride, the youngsters were called up one by one to receive their accolades. 

ACU General Secretary Gary Thompson, responsible for organising the Awards commented, “It takes a lot of work to put together both the Adult and Youth Awards, but to see the pride on the faces of these young riders when they hear their names called really does make it all worthwhile.  Over the years it is just very gratifying to watch the progression these youngsters make as they take on the worlds best.  We only have to look at the fantastic achievements of Cal Crutchlow, Alexz Wigg and Michael Brown to name but a few to reassure us that what we are doing is right.  Yes, there are other organisations that encourage riders to participate in their events, but, at the end of the day, if someone wishes to compete at international level and aspires to be a World or European Champion, then the ACU as the recognised governing body can hopefully help them to reach their full potential and go on to achieve their dreams”.

The evening was a much more formal affair with 450 guests suitably dressed for the occasion.   A fantastic array of Awards and Trophies lit up the stage as the Chairman Jim Parker and Gary Thompson welcomed everyone to the presentations.  Legendary stars such as John Cooper and Sammy Miller were amongst those invited to present awards.  FIM World Sidecar Champions Ben and Tom Birchall, UEM Superstock champion Gino Rea and the successful Trials Des Nations girls were amongst the many riders who had made the trip to Northampton to have their achievements recognised. 

Jim Parker remarked, “This event is always a special and important occasion in the ACU calendar.  I am delighted to see so many of our Award winners together in one room.  No other organisation in motorcycle sport can boast so many Awards being presented in so many different disciplines – both Off Road and within Road Racing.  It was also a pleasure to meet with so many of our Sponsors and Organisers, whose continuing support is very much appreciated and integral to the success of our championships”.

Picture: The winning Ladies team from the TDN 2009