Heikki Mikkola

Heikki Mikkola
Nationality Finland Finnish
Born 6 July 1945 (age 69)
Mikkeli, Finland
Motocross career
Years active 1969 - 1979
Teams Husqvarna, Yamaha
Championships 500cc - 1974, 1977, 1978
250cc - 1976

Heikki Antero Mikkola (born 6 July 1945 in Mikkeli, Finland) was a four-time World Champion motocross racer.[1]

Known as the "Flying Finn", and characterized by a fierce, determined style, he was the first Finn to win a motocross world championship.[2]

He won his first 500 cc Motocross World Championship on a Husqvarna in 1974, defeating the defending World Champion Roger DeCoster in what would be remembered as one of the tightest battles in motocross history.

In 1976, he won the 250 cc World Championship, also aboard a Husqvarna, becoming the first person to win a 250 cc and a 500 cc Motocross World Championship. For the 1977 season, Mikkola was signed by Yamaha and he rewarded them with a 500 cc World Championship.[2] He repeated as 500 cc champion in 1978. After a fifth place finish in the 1979 season, the 34 year old Mikkola decided to retire. Throughout his entire racing career, Mikkola represented the Hyvinkää Motor Club (Hyvinkään Moottorikerho - HyMk). He currently enjoys retirement living in Finland. In 2006 he was inducted into the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame.[2]

Motocross Grand Prix Results

References

  1. ↑ "Heikki Mikkola career profile". bestsports.com.br. Retrieved 8 January 2013.
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 "Heikki Mikkola". motorcyclemuseum.org. Retrieved 8 January 2013.

External links