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 former motorcycle racer from Venezuela. He competed in the FIM Grand Prix motorcycle world championships from 1978 to 1992. Carlos Lavado is well-known for winning two 250cc road racing world championships. He won these big titles in 1983 and 1986. He and Johnny Cecotto are the only two Venezuelan riders to ever win Grand Prix World Championships.

Carlos Lavado's Racing Journey

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

Carlos Lavado on his way to winning the 250cc Dutch TT in 1980.

In 1980, Carlos began racing full-time in the Grand Prix series. He became the 250cc World Champion in 1983 and then again in 1986. Both times, he rode a powerful Yamaha TZ 250 motorcycle. At the 1983 Dutch TT race, Carlos Lavado and another Venezuelan rider, Iván Palazzese, finished first and second. This was a special moment because it was the first time two riders from Venezuela took the top two spots in a world championship Grand Prix race.

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

After he stopped racing, Carlos continued to be involved in the sport. He became an advisor to younger Venezuelan motorcycle racers like Robertino Pietri and Gabriel Ramos.

Images for kids

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  Carlos Lavado in 2013

See also

In Spanish: Carlos Lavado para niños