Yamaha Motor Australia press release:

Yamaha Motor Australia are pleased to announce the appearance of former four time world motocross champion and racing legend, Heikki Mikkola, at the 12th Annual Classic Dirt event at Conondale on June 10-12.

Mikkola, who won his first world motocross championship back in 1974, was also the first person to win a 250cc and 500cc world championships in an esteemed racing career. He went on to win the 500cc crown another two times in 1977 and 1978 making him a hero of the sport as well as becoming Yamaha’s first 500cc motocross world champion.

He was known for his aggressive, take no prisoners attitude and riding style, and combined with a supreme level of fitness, he wowed crowds around the world and took him to the very top of the motocross tree before retiring at the end of the 1979 season at the age of 34.

He was inducted into the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame in 2006.

“It is amazing to have secured Heikki’s attendance for the 2016 Classic Dirt weekend,” states Yamaha Brand Manager, Peter Payne. “He is held in the highest regard around the world for his racing success and in an era that saw him battle, and beat, the likes of Roger Decoster and other icons of racing.

“We look forward to presenting Heikki to the crowd at Conondale and know he will enjoy his time while in Australia,” Payne ends.

The Finnish born motocross legend will be a huge addition to an already star-studded line up at this years’ Classic Dirt. US motocross hero Broc Glover will be there alongside local championships Stephen Gall, Craig Dack, Mike Landman, James Deakin, Glenn Bell and a host of others.

The Class Dirt also marks the final appearance of Yamaha’s 60th Anniversary travelling road show. A semi -trailer fill to the roof with Yamaha’s racing history and heritage can be viewed for the final time at Classic Dirt and is just part of the celebrations planned for the weekend.

Classis Dirt is on June 10-12 at one of Australia’s best motocross venues, Green Park in Conondale, Queensland.