Carlos Lavado facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Carlos Lavado
Lavado in 2013
Nationality	Venezuelan
Motorcycle racing career statistics Grand Prix motorcycle racing Active years 1978 - 1992 First race 1978 250cc Venezuelan Grand Prix Last race 1992 250cc South African Grand Prix First win 1979 350cc Venezuelan Grand Prix Last win 1987 250cc Yugoslavian Grand Prix Team(s) Yamaha Championships 250cc - 1983, 1986 Starts Wins Podiums Poles F. laps Points 137 19 42 22 13

Carlos Alberto Lavado Jones (born May 25, 1956) is a famous motorcycle racer from Venezuela. He competed in the top motorcycle championships, called Grand Prix races, from 1978 to 1992. Carlos is special because he won two world championships in the 250cc class. He won in 1983 and again in 1986. He and Johnny Cecotto are the only two Venezuelans to ever win these big world titles.

Carlos's Racing Journey

Carlos was born in Caracas, Venezuela. He started his international racing career in 1978. His very first big race was the Venezuelan Grand Prix. He finished an amazing second place in the 250cc race. The next year, in 1979, he won the 350cc race at the Venezuelan Grand Prix.

Full-Time Racing and First World Title

Carlos Lavado on his way to victory at the 1980 Dutch TT.

In 1980, Carlos began racing full-time in the Grand Prix series. He worked hard and achieved his dream of becoming a 250cc World Champion in 1983. He rode a Yamaha TZ 250 motorcycle.

At a race called the 1983 Dutch TT, Carlos and another Venezuelan rider, Iván Palazzese, made history. They finished first and second! This was the first time two Venezuelan riders took the top two spots in a world championship Grand Prix race.

Second World Championship Win

Carlos continued to be a top rider. He won his second 250cc World Championship in 1986, again riding a Yamaha TZ 250. This showed how talented and consistent he was.

Career Highlights and Retirement

Carlos raced for fifteen seasons, from 1978 to 1992. He competed in 137 races. Most of these, 125 races, were in the 250cc class. He stood on the podium (meaning he finished in the top three) 36 times in the 250cc class. He also won 17 races in that class. In the 350cc class, he had 6 podium finishes and 2 wins.

After he stopped racing, Carlos didn't leave the sport. He became an advisor to younger Venezuelan motorcycle racers. He helped riders like Robertino Pietri and Gabriel Ramos. Carlos Lavado is truly a legend in motorcycle racing!

Images for kids

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  Lavado in 2013

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  Carlos Lavado on his way to victory at the 1980 Dutch TT.

See also

In Spanish: Carlos Lavado para niños