Håkan Carlqvist facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Håkan Carlqvist |
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Carlqvist at the 1978 Spanish Grand Prix
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| Nationality | Swedish |
| Born | 15 January 1954 Järfälla, Sweden |
| Died | 6 July 2017 (aged 63) Toulon, France |
| Motocross career | |
| Years active | 1974-1988 |
| Teams | Ossa, Husqvarna, Yamaha |
| Championships | 250cc - 1979 500cc - 1983 |
| Wins | 20 |
Håkan Carlqvist (born January 15, 1954 – died July 6, 2017) was a famous Swedish professional motocross racer. He raced in the Motocross World Championships from 1974 to 1988. Carlqvist was a two-time world champion. He was known for being a very determined and strong competitor.
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Carlqvist's Early Racing Career
Håkan Carlqvist was born in Järfälla Municipality, near Stockholm, Sweden. He started racing in the world championships on his own. He rode an Ossa motorcycle.
In 1979, he joined the Husqvarna factory team. That year, he won the F.I.M. 250cc Motocross World Championship. He also won the Le Touquet beach race in 1979.
Becoming a World Champion
In 1980, Carlqvist moved to the Yamaha team. He started competing in the 500cc motocross world championship. He finished third in 1981. In 1983, he had a big battle with Honda riders André Malherbe and Graham Noyce. Carlqvist won the 500cc world championship that year on his Yamaha.
Later Years in Motocross
An injury in 1984 stopped Carlqvist from trying to win the title again. He continued to race for Yamaha until the end of 1986. After that, he raced in the 500 GPs in 1987 and 1988. He rode a Kawasaki KX500. His last Grand Prix win was in Belgium at Namur in 1988.
Trying Three-Wheeled Racing
In 1983, Carlqvist also started trying out three-wheeled racing. He first raced with Yamaha. In 1986, he rode for Honda. He won the national three-wheeled championship in Sweden. He had plans to race in the United States in 1987. However, three-wheeled vehicles were later banned there. So, he never got to race in America for Honda.
Carlqvist's Passing
Håkan Carlqvist passed away on July 6, 2017. He died from a brain hemorrhage.
