Martin Lampkin facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Martin Lampkin |
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Lampkin on a Bultaco Sherpa in 1978
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| Nationality | British |
| Born | 28 December 1950 Silsden, England |
| Died | 2 April 2016 (aged 65) |
Harold Martin Lampkin (born December 28, 1950 – died April 2, 2016) was a famous English motorcycle rider. He competed in many off-road motorcycle events. He was best known for his skill in observed trials competitions. In 1975, he won the very first FIM Trial World Championship. This made him the first-ever world champion in this sport. Martin Lampkin was known for using his strength and speed to get through difficult parts of the course. He passed away in 2016 from cancer.
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Martin Lampkin's Motorcycle Career
Martin Lampkin grew up in Silsden, England. He was the third son in a family famous for motorcycle riding. He started riding motorcycles when he was very young. His older brothers, Arthur and Alan Lampkin, were also successful motorcycle racers. They even joined the BSA factory racing team in the 1960s.
Becoming a Champion
In the early 1970s, Martin Lampkin became one of the best motorcycle trials riders. His talent caught the eye of Francisco Bultó. He owned the Bultaco motorcycle company. Bultó asked Martin to join the Bultaco factory trials team. In 1973, Martin won the European trials championship. He also won the British trials national championship that same year. At that time, the European championship was seen as the world championship. This was because the sport of trials was mostly popular in Europe.
First World Champion
In 1975, the European championship became an official world championship. Martin Lampkin won this new title. He became the first-ever trials world champion! He continued to do well in the world championships until 1980. Around that time, the Bultaco company started having money problems.
Martin then joined the SWM factory team. He rode for them until he stopped competing professionally in 1982. Besides his European and World Championship titles, Martin won many other important races. He won the Scott Trial four times (1977, 1978, 1981, 1982). He also won the British trials national championship three times (1973, 1978, 1980). And he won the very tough Scottish Six Days Trial three times in a row (1976, 1977, 1978).
Family Legacy
Martin Lampkin is the father of Dougie Lampkin. Dougie is also a famous trials rider. He has won the world championship an amazing twelve times! After Martin retired from racing, he supported his son. He helped Dougie start his own successful career in professional motorcycle trials.
See also
In Spanish: Martin Lampkin para niños
