Mike Trimby to become a MotoGP Legend
The latest inductee into the MotoGP Hall of Fame is Mike Trimby. The former IRTA CEO, who passed away last September, will be officially inducted as a MotoGP Legend at the British GP in August. Trimby’s induction will be a first, as it recognises the Brit for his achievements off-track, specifically with IRTA, rather than his time as a rider.
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Trimby founded IRTA (International Road Racing Teams Association) to represent riders and teams in negotiations with promoters, circuit owners and other stakeholders in motorcycle grand prix racing. Although he had started out as a rider and mechanic, Trimby’s rider advocacy had become more prominent by the late 1970s and his effectiveness in this role was formalised with the creation of IRTA in 1986.
As CEO or IRTA, Trimby’s connection to Dorna started in 1992, following the latter’s acquisition of the commercial rights to the FIM Motorcycle Grand Prix World Championship. Dorna says the great collaboration between the FIM, IRTA and Dorna Sports owes much to the foundations laid by Trimby and IRTA over the previous decade, giving riders and teams a voice at the table.
Today, IRTA remains a pivotal part of the sport, with the progress made in terms of safety thanks in large part to the work undertaken by Trimby, his wife Irene and IRTA staff.
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"Mike would have been very honoured about receiving this prestigious award, and everyone who knew him knows he never would have expected it either,” said Irene Trimby. “It’s wonderful for his work and legacy to be acknowledged in this way, although I’m sure he might also have been a little embarrassed to see us putting on a ceremony and giving him a trophy!
“It’s also something very special for me, for everyone who worked closely with him and everyone who continues to miss him very much. Thank you very much."
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Carmelo Ezpeleta, CEO of Dorna Sports, described Trimby’s contribution to motorcycle grand prix racing as monumental, adding that he’ll be a welcome member of the MotoGP Hall of Fame.
“Since the concept of MotoGP Legends was born, it has always been about more than numbers. There are no criteria based on simple race wins or number of championships, it’s about contribution to the sport – be it off-track, on-track or a combination of the two,” Ezpeleta explained. “So, it’s fitting that Mike becomes the first figure honoured purely for his off-track impact, as his work in this sport was truly second to none.
“It will be an honour for us, and for me, to induct Mike into the Hall of Fame. He is greatly missed and we race on in his memory."
Trimby will be inducted into the Hall of Fame at a ceremony ahead of the British Grand Prix at Silverstone this 2-4 August.