Multi-award winning sidecar racing brothers Ben and Tom Birchall have been awarded the prestigious Fred Craner Trophy.

It is presented to a British driver within the ACU Midland Centre area for outstanding achievements on the international stage in racing.

Fred Craner was responsible for the Donington Park Circuit becoming a reality in 1931.

The trophy itself was last awarded in 1990 to former world sidecar champion Simon Birchall (no relation) and other recipients have included Geoff Duke, Phil Read, Ron Haslam, Jock Taylor and Mike Hailwood.

At a recent match at Mansfield Town FC, the Birchall brothers left the trophy with the owner and chief executive, John and Carolyn Radford, to be displayed in the club’s trophy cabinet.

Ben said: “I have to be honest, I hadn’t heard of the trophy at first, but when we saw it, we were blown away by the size of it and the list of legendary previous winners. It’s such a huge privilege to see our names alongside such great icons in motorcycle racing.”

Tom added: “We’re really proud to receive the Fred Craner Trophy. It’s been in hiding for a few years so it’s nice they have brought it out for us in recognition of all our hard work over the last couple of years.”

The brothers, part of Birchall Racing, are continuing to prepare for the forthcoming 2019 season and the defence of their World Championship and Isle of Man TT titles.

ABOVE: Ben and Tom Birchall with John and Carolyn Radford and the Fred Craner Trophy.