Former World 500cc Motocross champion, Hakan Carlqvist died on July 7, aged just 63.
The Swedish hard man won a World 250cc title on Husqvarna machinery in 1979 and a World 500cc crown on a Yamaha in 1983. He and won 20 GPs during his career.
However, perhaps his finest moment was during his last GP victory at the famous Citadell circut in Namur, Belgium, in 1988.
Racing a privateer Kawasaki against the massed ranks of the mighty factory Hondas, he was leading the second race by 50-seconds and stopped at the famous road section next to a bar and had a beer before going on to win the race.
‘Carla’ as he was affectionately known was a fearsome rider who disappeared from racing following his retirement. He had been ill for a short time before his death.
We’ll be drinking a beer in your honour Carla. RIP.
