Finnish motorcycle racer

Heikki Antero Mikkola (born 6 July 1945) is a Finnish former professional motocross racer. He competed in the Motocross World Championships from 1969 to 1979. Mikkola is notable for being a four-time FIM motocross world champion. In 2006 he was inducted into the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame. In 2015, Mikkola was named an FIM Legend for his motorcycle racing achievements.

Contents

• 1 Motocross career
• 2 Motocross Grand Prix Results
• 3 References
• 4 External links

Motocross career

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. 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. 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.

Motocross Grand Prix Results

References

External links

• Heikki Mikkola official fansite
• Heikki Mikkola The Lone Wolf
• Heikki Mikkola at the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame

1From 1957 to 2002 the MX-1 world championship was named the 500cc motocross world championship. From 2014 the name is MXGP. 2In 2003 the top cl* was 650cc.1From 1962 to 2002 the MX-2 world championship was named the 250cc motocross world championship. 2In 2003 the second cl* named MotocrossGP.