Mike Trimby, founder of MotoGP teams association IRTA, has died

The co-founder and CEO of the International Road Racing Teams Association, Mike Trimby, has died aged 74.

The death of Mr. Trimby, 74, was reported last night by MotoGP, on the Friday night of the San Marino Grand Prix.

Mr. Trimby co-founded IRTA (International Road Racing Teams Association) in 1986, having been asked by the Grand Prix riders of the time to help them achieve better pay, and to help make racing safer, by forcing changes to track designs that included, in the beginning, the removal of such as armco barriers and, more recently, the installation of air fences and extension of run-off areas. He - alongside his wife, Irene - continued in his work as IRTA CEO to represent the race teams until his passing.

Through the IRTA organisation, Mr. Trimby’s work helped transform Grand Prix racing from a sport in which fatalities were essentially guaranteed, into one in which they were much less likely.

In the beginning of 2023, Mr. Trimby was awarded the Royal Automobile Club’s (RAC) motorcycling award, the Torrens Trophy, for his work in making motorcycle racing a safer sport, and one which better rewards the teams and athletes which partake in it.

A statement published by MotoGP reads: “Mike Trimby has sadly passed away. Founder and CEO of IRTA, and an icon of MotoGP, Trimby will forever be remembered.

“Dorna Sports, and the entire MotoGP family, send their deepest condolences to Mike’s wife Irene, his family, friends, colleagues and loved ones at this most difficult time.

“Mike was one of the most important figures in the history of motorcycle Grand Prix racing. His life, achievements and memory will be celebrated during the remainder of the San Marino Grand Prix as the paddock joins together to honour him.”