Jaak van Velthoven

Who is Jaak van Velthoven?

Jaak Van Velthoven is a Belgian former professional motocross racer. He competed in the F.I.M. 500cc motocross world championships during the 1970s. Van Velthoven's best individual performance was a third place in the 500cc World Championship in 1973 with the Yamaha factory racing team. He helped Yamaha develop a revolutionary motorcycle rear suspension that utilized a single shock absorber instead of the traditional dual shock absobers.

Van Velthoven also rode for the Husqvarna and KTM factory racing teams. He was a member of four winning Belgian teams at the Motocross des Nations in 1972, 1973, 1976 and 1977. Standing well over 6 feet tall, it was not difficult to distinguish him in the pack and he was often referred to as 'Long tall Jaak'.