Heikki Mikkola

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.[1] In 2006 he was inducted into the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame.[2] In 2015, Mikkola was named an FIM Legend for his motorcycle racing achievements.[3]

Heikki Mikkola
NationalityFinnish
Born6 July 1945 (1945-07-06) (age 75)
Mikkeli, Finland
Motocross career
Years active1969 - 1979
TeamsHusqvarna, Yamaha
Championships500cc - 1974, 1977, 1978
250cc - 1976

Motocross career

Born in Mikkeli, Finland, he became known as the "Flying Finn", and was characterized by a fierce, determined riding style.[2] 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.[4][5]

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
Year Class Team Rank
1969 250cc Husqvarna 14th
1970 250cc Husqvarna 4th
1971 250cc Husqvarna 4th
1972 500cc Husqvarna 3rd
1973 250cc Husqvarna 3rd
1974 500cc Husqvarna 1st
1975 500cc Husqvarna 2nd
1976 250cc Husqvarna 1st
1977 500cc Yamaha 1st
1978 500cc Yamaha 1st
1979 500cc Yamaha 5th

References
  1. "Heikki Mikkola career profile". bestsports.com.br. Retrieved 8 January 2013.
  2. "Heikki Mikkola". motorcyclemuseum.org. Retrieved 8 January 2013.
  3. "FIM Legends". fim-live.com. Retrieved April 20, 2020.
  4. "1974 500cc motocross world championship final standings". memotocross.fr. Retrieved 28 January 2016.
  5. Pratt, Terry (1975). Grand Prix Wrap-Up. Cycle World. Retrieved 28 January 2016.


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