To the plush RAC Club in London’s Pall Mall, where the 2023 Torrens Trophy was awarded to legendary MotoGP man Mike Trimby. The trophy is awarded each year to an individual or organisation which has made an outstanding impact on motorcycling, and Trimby certainly fits the bill. He’s been representing Grands Prix riders for more than 40 years, helping them fight for higher safety standards and better conditions, following his own race career. Trimby also organised the Macau GP race from 1978-2011 and launched the long-running Alexandra Palace Road Race show. He is also head of the IRTA – the International Roadracing Team Association – which was established in 1986 to oversee the development of the GP classes, as well as represent the teams and manage the relationship between riders, manufacturers, the FIM, and rights holder Dorna.
“I am surprised but honoured to receive this award,” said Trimby. “My achievements were made possible only by the initial support from the leading Grand Prix riders and subsequently the unity of the teams within IRTA, but none of this would have been possible without the partnership with Dorna, which started in 1992. Dorna CEO Carmelo Ezpeleta and his staff are equally passionate about rider safety.
“I also want to share this award with my wife Irene, who has worked with me at Grands Prix since 1982. Whatever achievements I am credited with would not have been possible without her support.”