For the first time, an individual who is not a rider will become a MotoGP Legend. This honor goes to Mike Trimby, who dedicated himself to the championship in various roles and played a fundamental role in shaping MotoGP into what it is today.
As the founder and CEO of IRTA (International Road Racing Teams Association), Trimby made his biggest impact. The organization was established in 1986 under his leadership after riders asked him to act as their representative in 1982.
Before that, Trimby – who passed away in September last year – was a rider and mechanic, starting his journey in the 1960s. Together with his wife Irene, at IRTA, he was instrumental in progress in terms of safety, as well as in the tripartite collaboration with FIM and Dorna Sports – giving voice to teams and riders.
Trimby’s induction into the MotoGP Hall of Fame, officially becoming a MotoGP Legend, will take place next August during the British Grand Prix at Silverstone.
Carmelo Ezpeleta, CEO of Dorna Sports, stated: ‘Mike’s contribution to motorcycle Grand Prix racing is truly monumental, and we’re proud to name him a MotoGP Legend. 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. 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’.
Mike Trimby’s widow, Irene, commented: ‘Mike would have been very honoured about receiving this prestigious award, and everyone who knew him knows he never would have expected it either. 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’.