Mike Trimby, MotoGP Legend

The late Mike Trimby’s contributions to professional motorcycle racing as a founder and CEO of the International Road Racing Teams Association (IRTA) are vital to what MotoGP is today. To honor and celebrate his legacy, Mike Trimby is the first non-rider to be inducted into the MotoGP Hall of Fame as a Legend.

Trimby played a pioneering role in championing the rights of riders and advocating for enhanced safety measures within the sport. His journey in MotoGP began as a rider and mechanic in the 1960s, before transitioning seamlessly into a pioneering man of matters off the track.

IRTA was founded several years after Trimby heeded the riders’ call to be their official spokesperson in 1982. IRTA, an organization that solidified his role as the riders’ representative and set in motion a wave of positive change, was founded in 1986. Through IRTA, Trimby worked to provide riders and teams with a voice in the sport.

Tony Congram‘s heartfelt address at the induction ceremony, speaking on behalf of Irene, Mike’s family, and IRTA, reflected the profound emotional significance felt upon his elevation to the Hall of Fame. “Irene has asked me to say a few words on her behalf and that of the Trimby family. Thank you all very much for being here today to witness Mike’s induction into the Legends. Thank you, Carmelo, thank you very much for Mike’s invitation to this very prestigious club, it is unbelievable. Mike and Carmelo as you said have had a very strong relationship over the years and it is a testament to Mike’s memory that you have asked him to become a part of the Legends.”

Congram concluded, “It is a very proud moment, an honour for Irene to have Mike’s name alongside all of these incredible riders, past and present, so to be amongst them Irene is very proud and so would Mike be very proud. As you can imagine it is 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 had from all of you, and for your kind words and support in this particularly sad time. Again, thank you, Carmelo, and thank you very much, everybody, thank you.”

Carmelo Ezpeleta, CEO of Dorna Sports, expressed, “This is a very special moment for me, as Mike is the first non-rider to be a part of the MotoGP™ Legends. A big reason why MotoGP is as it is right now is because of Mike Trimby. I met him many many years ago for the first time when he was representing the riders, even before IRTA, I was the director of the Jarama circuit. I remember well that he arrived on an enduro bike and looked at the paddock and different things and made an incredible effort. To be honest it was considered strange to be representing the riders and it was not really well accepted by the authorities of the paddock. Mike continued doing that and later on, it was growing and growing and with the creation of IRTA he was doing everything 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 as we are right now.”

Mike Trimby, unfortunately passed away in 2023. However, his legacy endures. He was a champion whose visionary leadership continues to shape the sport we love. His indelible mark on MotoGP serves as an inspiration and a reminder of the profound impact that passionate individuals can have beyond the checkered flag.

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