Joël Robert
| Joël Robert | |
|---|---|
.jpg) Joël Robert (1972) | |
| Nationality | Belgian |
| Born |
26 November 1943 (age 73) Châtelet, Belgium |
| Motocross career | |
| Years active | 1960 - 1976 |
| Teams | CZ, Suzuki, Puch |
| Championships | 250cc - 1964, 1968 - 1972 |
| Wins | 50 |
Joël Robert (born 26 November 1943 in Châtelet, Belgium) is a Belgian former professional motocross racer who won the 250cc Motocross World Championship six times including five times in succession from 1968 to 1972.[1][2]
Robert began his career in motocross racing career in the early 1960s, racing in the European motocross championship.[2] In 1962, the European championship was granted world championship status by the FIM. Robert won the 1964 250cc world championship as a twenty-year-old privateer riding a CZ motorcycle, becoming the youngest motocross world champion at the time.[2] In 1965 he became a factory sponsored rider for the Czechoslovakian firm CZ.[2] Robert won the 250cc crown for CZ again in 1968 and 1969.[3] For the 1970 season, Robert was wooed from CZ by the Japanese manufacturer Suzuki, who was seeking to make inroads into the European dominated sport.[2] He continued his winning streak with Suzuki by capturing the 250cc Grand Prix championship in 1970, 1971 and 1972.[4] His record of 50 motocross Grand Prix victories stood for more than 30 years until it was broken by fellow Belgian, Stefan Everts, in 2004.[2]
Robert is remembered as one of the most naturally talented motocross riders in history.[5] In one of the most physically demanding disciplines in sports, he was notorious for his lack of training as well as his cigarette smoking.[2][5] He once even put his cigarette out on the crossbar of Sylvain Geboers's handlebars while on the start line at a series finale, which Robert eventually won.[6] American Grand Prix motocross racer, Jim Pomeroy, commented on Robert's impressive physical strength in an interview, recalling how he watched him lift the rear end of a small car.[7]
Robert was inducted into the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame in 2000. Today, he continues his involvement in motocross by acting as manager for Belgium's Motocross des Nations team.[2]
Motocross grand prix results
| Year | Class | Team | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1962 | 250cc | Greeves | 14th |
| 1963 | 250cc | Greeves | 25th |
| 1964 | 250cc | CZ | 1st |
| 1965 | 250cc | CZ | 2nd |
| 1966 | 250cc | CZ | 2nd |
| 1967 | 250cc | CZ | 2nd |
| 1968 | 250cc | CZ | 1st |
| 1969 | 250cc | CZ | 1st |
| 1970 | 250cc | Suzuki | 1st |
| 1971 | 250cc | Suzuki | 1st |
| 1972 | 250cc | Suzuki | 1st |
| 1973 | 250cc | Suzuki | 18th |
| 1974 | 250cc | Suzuki | 10th |
| 1975 | 250cc | Suzuki | 9th |
| 1976 | 250cc | Puch | 18th |
References
- ↑ "Joël Robert career profile". bestsports.com.br. Retrieved 28 April 2012.
- 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 "Joël Robert at the Motorcycle Hall of Fame". motorcyclemuseum.org. Retrieved 28 April 2012.
- ↑ "FIM Motocross World Champions". motorsportsetc.com. Retrieved 28 April 2012.
- ↑ "Joel Robert biography". mxworksbike.com. Retrieved 28 April 2012.
- 1 2 "Joël Robert Interview, Cycle Guide, January 1973". mxworksbike.com. Retrieved 3 May 2012.
- ↑ "Who's Got The Goat?". motocross.transworld.net. Retrieved 28 April 2012.
- ↑ "Jim Pomeroy Interview". jimpomeroymx.com. Retrieved 28 April 2012.