News

News 6th October 2006 - 2006 UGP Iceman Trophy Winner

Firstly I would like to apologise for the lateness in providing details of the UGP Iceman Trophy winner for 2006. The reasons are many and varied but as this site is about remembering and maintaining the memory of Joakim, I can only say that certain circumstances beyond my control were the reason for this delay.

The main thing is notification of the deserved winner of this year’s trophy, Patrik van Gils. Patrik hails from Essen in Belgium and has been racing since 1994 with most of his exploits in endurance racing. He has been a regular top 5 finisher every year in these races with his debut to real road racing coming in 2003 when he took part in the Northwest 200 and also the UGP. He has returned every year since….such is his passion for real road racing.

In the true spirit of the Iceman, Patrik travels great distances to compete here in our country in addition to racing at the Isle of Man and other circuits across Europe. A versatile racer, Patrik came to this years UGP and put together a string of consistent rides earning him this years Iceman UGP 2006 trophy which was presented to him by last years winner, Cameron Donald, the Australian phenomenon who has lit up the road racing scene this year.

Good friends of Joakim and myself kindly donated this year’s prize money of £1,000.00. Special mention must go to these good folk who continue to support the memory of the Iceman through their kindness, thus keeping Joakim’s memory alive and also recognising and supporting the efforts of foreign riders who bring a truly International flavour to our International events.

My thanks go once again to John O’Neill (John O’Neill Racing), Allan Frew (Annandale Design), Gerard McKay (GMK Joinery), Noel Johnston (Nibbles Catering) and Colin Moore (FC Moore Decorators) who sent Patrik home with just reward for his bravery and effort.

More info on Patrik can be found here www.2go4speed.com

See you all next year at the Northwest 200 when Benny Jerzenbeck will defend his Iceman Trophy prize. And also at the Isle of Man TT when Jeremy Toye will also be hoping to retain his Iceman Trophy with more of the same performances when he returns from the USA.

Best wishes

John Hope
Iceman Trophy