Bespoke racing trophies
One-off bespoke awards for motorcycle racing
Our team at PDQ Precision once again worked closely with designer Spyre Limited to create these stunning bespoke motorcycle racing trophies for the 2024 season. This was to be the final year of racing at GP Originals and we all wanted to create something extra special as a lasting memory of this excellent two-stroke, post-classic motorcycle series.
Design, test, manufacture
This project totals nine personalised bespoke trophies. There are three classes, each with a 1st, 2nd and 3rd award. The design featured a dynamic shape for the top section at a uniform size. The brass bottom sections were created in three heights to reflect the podium positions.
We created a test section for the display face featuring the recipients name and title sponsor logo. The original idea was to fill the number oval with coloured epoxy resin. However, after an initial test it was decided that this approach would be too tricky to achieve the expert finish required. We decided to create a brass pocketed cup to hold coloured ovals made from an engraving laminate which was organised by the designer at Spyre Limited.
Each one was coloured coded to the Championship – blue, green and red. Using exact measurements, our finished pieces received the brightly coloured ovals with a perfect flush fit.
To finish, we supplied Spyre Ltd with a perfectly sized circle of coloured felt which they adhered to each base by hand. We delivered the full set by direct drive to be sure of receipt in time for the presentation evening.
Weighty, premium awards
Following approval of our 3D drawings, we began machining. We selected 6082 T6 Aluminium for its efficient cutting properties and high quality finish. We then specified CZ121 brass for the base section. This material chips nicely without being too soft and is ideal for the fine engraving.
Both elegant shapes were turned on our Goodway 260M lathe. Location holes were machined using the driven tools which allowed us to finely control the positioning. The angular top section was machined using our 5-axis YCM vertical machining centre and employed an automated robotic arm to tap the mounting holes. Next, our 3-axis YCM 1020 made short work of the brass pocket. Countersunk holes provided a flush, perfect fit to the aluminium section.
The brass base was then engraved on our Bostomatic 400 4-axis milling machine. To wrap the artwork around perfectly, we programmed it in the flat and the machine mapped the movements around the outer diameter.
Finally a sturdy countersunk bolt was installed through the base and into the top section to firmly secure the piece together. Each trophy received a buffing coat of Autosol and Brasso bringing them to a brilliant shine
Ask us about unusual projects
The video shows the GP Originals trophies being machined in-house on our vertical machining centre with robotic arm. This machine allowed us to perfectly position the workpiece, measure, cut the angle and then drill the holes in one efficient set-up.
One-off engineering projects need attention to detail and careful liaison with the client. Get in touch today if you have an unusual project that needs milling, turning, grinding or other engineering skills. We have in-house reverse engineering facilities including digital measuring and 3D modelling software.