Joakim Karlsson

"Joakim Karlsson was a Swedish rider who decided, after a 12 year absence from domestic racing in Sweden, to come over to Europe to compete in the sport we call Real Roadracing, 'racing between the hedges'. His first port of call was the Ulster Grand Prix, an historic roadracing venue set in the hills behind Belfast, Northern Ireland. Steeped in history, and playground to all the 'greats' of this sport, Joakim made his Roadracing debut at the 'Ulster' in the year 2004.

He made lots of friends during this time and vowed to return to this country to display his racing talents and to re-acquaint old friendships. He did so at the Northwest 200 earlier this year in 2005. He made more friends as he tackled another of roadracings premier events. His infectious love of life and roadracing attracted more 'followers' to his campaign as he chose to race at some of the worlds most famous roadracing circuits, whilst displaying a humility and an approachability on a par with the late, great Joey.

His assault on the roadracing scene was complete, after an initial visit to the Isle of Man early in the year, as part of the Mike Hailwood Foundation initiative, to ride at the famous TT races, which he did in May this year, 2005.

Joakim sadly lost his life on the Monday practice in the first week of the 2005 TT races.

He should be remembered by us all as a foreign rider who, from his remote location in Sweden, was smitten by the infection that is Real Roadracing. His efforts and determination to not only journey from so far away to be here, but to compete as a racer typifies his passion for this great sport. Joakim embraced our sport with a passion that is still, and always will be, prevalent in all of us. He simply wanted to compete and pit his skills against his present heroes, on roads all of his past heroes graced. This very act proves he lived more lifetimes in one year than most of us do in our full span of life.

It is as a result of this passion that he will be remembered through the trophy created in his name - The Iceman.

It is therefore fitting that the first ever Trophy award will be presented this year for the first time at the Ulster Grand Prix....Joakims induction to the sport he loved.

The Iceman Trophy will be awarded, in his memory, to the 'Best performance by an overseas rider - non UK/Irish Licence holder'. This Trophy will also carry a cash prize of £1000.

Not only will this Trophy be awarded at the UGP, there will be similar Trophies awarded at the aforementioned venues, the Northwest 200 and the famous TT races on the Isle of Man, on an annual basis.

This website, kindly provided by Brian Farrell of Tuttiwebs, will contain some information about Joakim, the trophy awards and winners, the people behind these Trophies and the friends Joakim met on his all too short a journey."

John Hope
Project Manager