If MotoGP exists as we know it today, it is thanks to the efforts of people like Mike Trimby. Sadly, Trimby passed away almost a year ago in Riccione, Italy, at the age of 74 during the San Marino GP. The Briton was one of the most emblematic figures in the paddock, and since the eighties he had given a voice to the teams as the founder and CEO of IRTA.
Although he began his career as a driver and mechanic, it was in 1982 that the rest of the drivers requested that Trimby be in charge as their representative, at a time when the drivers had practically no voice or vote, and even less so those who were not headliners.
Later, in 1986, the famous IRTA (International Road Racing Teams Association) was created, which gained importance over time protecting the interests of the World Championship teams. Trimby was its founder and CEO until his death and in all that time, he was the driving force behind the progress that the championship has experienced since the 1990s, when Dorna became the promoter of the championship.
Mike Trimby is the first non-rider to be named MotoGP Legend
Now, coinciding with the 2024 British Grand Prix, which marked 75 years of the World Motorcycle Championship, Trimby has been posthumously decorated and recognised as a MotoGP Legend. An unprecedented feat, as he has not received this recognition for his time as a rider in the 1960s, but for his decisive role in the evolution of the championship over the last 40 years.
His widow, Irene Trimby, was unable to attend the event, but Tony Congram (IRTA) spoke on behalf of Irene and his family: “Irene has asked me to say a few words on behalf of herself and the Trimby family. Thank you all so much for being here today to witness Mike’s induction into the Legends. Thank you Carmelo, thank you so much for inviting Mike into this prestigious club, it’s incredible. Mike and Carmelo, as you said, have had a very strong relationship over the years and it’s a testament to Mike’s memory that you asked him to be part of the Legends. It’s a very proud moment, an honour for Irene to have Mike’s name alongside all these amazing riders, past and present, so to be amongst them Irene is very proud and Mike would be too. As you can imagine, it’s still a very emotional time. On behalf of Irene, we would like to thank you for your messages, your emails and all the forms of communication that Irene has received from all of you, and for your kind words and support at this particularly sad time. Once again, thank you Carmelo, and thank you all so much, thank you.”
For his part, Carmelo Ezpeleta took the opportunity to once again acknowledge Mike’s work: “This is a very special moment for me as Mike is the first non-rider to be part of MotoGP™ Legends. One of the main reasons why MotoGP™ is what it is now is because of Mike Trimby. I first met him many years ago when I was representing the riders, even before IRTA existed, I was the circuit director at Jarama. I remember well that he came with an enduro bike and looked around the paddock and different things and made an incredible effort. To be honest, it was considered strange to represent the riders and it was not very well accepted by the paddock authorities. Mike continued to do so and later on it was growing and growing and with the creation of IRTA he was doing everything he could to improve the most important thing, the safety of the riders. He was crucial for that and without Mike Trimby I am absolutely sure we would not be where we are now.
Later, when we started in 1991, signing the agreement between IRTA, FIM, Dorna and Two Wheel Promotions, to be honest, Mike was not particularly happy at the time. But working together we achieved what we have achieved now and for me, it is a very emotional moment, not only as CEO of Dorna and representing what the Championship thinks, but we became very good friends. I was very happy to deal with him, he always had a typically British sense of humour when he explained many things to me and, to be honest, at first it was very difficult to understand each other, but we finally managed it. It was a very emotional moment when he left us last year in Misano, it was something very strange and now, with Irene here, I think it is the right time to show everyone how important Mike Trimby was for us. I am very happy to announce him as a MotoGP™ legend because MotoGP™ is what it is now thanks to Mike Trimby.”
