Heikki Mikkola

Who is Heikki Mikkola?

Heikki Antero Mikkola was a four-time World Champion motocross racer.

Known as the "Flying Finn", and characterized by a fierce, determined 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. He currently enjoys retirement living in Finland. In 2006 he was inducted into the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame.