Mike Trimby was posthumously inducted into the MotoGP Hall of Fame last Friday during the British Grand Prix, becoming the first non-rider to receive such a distinction.
The British national, who passed away last year, was the founder and executive director of the IRTA (International Road Racing Teams Association), playing a crucial role in the history of motorcycle racing. He joined the World Championship in the 1960s as a mechanic.
In 1982, riders asked Trimby to become their representative, and in 1986, he founded the IRTA, leading it for several years in defense of teams and riders. His work, which he carried out alongside his wife, Irene, marked the beginning of a strong collaboration between IRTA, Dorna, and FIM that continues to this day.
Tony Congram, speaking on behalf of Irene, Mike Trimby’s widow, family, and IRTA, said: ‘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 [Ezpeleta, Dorna’s CEO], 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. 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’.