Heikki Mikkola
| Heikki Mikkola | |
|---|---|
| Nationality |  Finnish |
| Born | 6 July 1945 (age 78) 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) is a Finnish former professional motocross racer. He was a four-time World Champion.[1]
Born in Mikkeli, Finland, he became known as the "Flying Finn", and was characterized by a fierce, determined riding 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
- 1969 250 cc Motocross World Championship - 14th (Husqvarna)
- 1970 250 cc Motocross World Championship - 4th (Husqvarna)
- 1971 250 cc Motocross World Championship - 4th (Husqvarna)
- 1972 500 cc Motocross World Championship - 3rd (Husqvarna)
- 1973 250 cc Motocross World Championship - 3rd (Husqvarna)
- 1974 500 cc Motocross World Championship - 1st ([Husqvarna)
- 1975 500 cc Motocross World Championship - 2nd (Husqvarna)
- 1976 250 cc Motocross World Championship - 1st (Husqvarna)
- 1977 500 cc Motocross World Championship - 1st (Yamaha)
- 1978 500 cc Motocross World Championship - 1st (Yamaha)
- 1979 500 cc Motocross World Championship - 5th (Yamaha)
References
External links
- Heikki Mikkola official fansite
- Heikki Mikkola The Lone Wolf
- Heikki Mikkola at the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame
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