CLASSIC MOTOCROSS PHOTOS: SIX-TIME 250 WORLD CHAMPION JOEL ROBERT

Six-time 250 World Champion Joel Robert dominated the 250 class for almost ten years—first for CZ and later for Suzuki.

Joel Robert is tied to the growth, explosion and development of the sport of motocross in the 1970s by virtue of his natural talents and smiling face. The six-time 250 World Champion (1964, 1968, 1969, 1970, 1971 and 1972) was born in Chatelet, Belgium, on November 26, 1943. When Joel didn’t win the 250 World Champion, he was in second place—he was runner-up in 1965, 1966 and 1967. After his CZ and  Suzuki days were over he raced a short time for the Puch factory in 1976. After retiring Joel Robert helped guide the Belgian national team at the Motocross of Nations. Joel Robert passed away at the age  of 77-years-old from a heart attack.

A young Joel Robert heading out for a race with his Greeves tucked in what passed for a European piuck-up truck back in the early 1960s.

Joel Robert signed with CZ in 1964.

Roger DeCoster and Joel Robert with the King and Queen of Belgium.

Torsten Hallman and Joel Robert. In 1966, Joel won four 250  GP’s and finishes second in 250 World Championship behind Torsten Hallman. He would be beat by Hallman three years running before taking control of the 250 World Championships.

Joel with his CZ teammates Roger DeCoster (left) and Dave Bickers (back)

Joel left CZ for Suzuki for the 1970 season—where he would win his first 250 Championship on a Japanese bike.

Joel had lots of outside sponsors and he loved showing up at sponsors press intro–here for a cigarette company.

Joel Robert was a fun loving guy—especially with trophy girls and sponsors models. He won six FIM 250 World Championships during his career, but he had time to smoke, joke and drink.

Joel raced fast bikes and loved fast cars.

Joel and Roger in prison costumes at a press intro.

Joel loved Velodrome racing.

Joel loved sports and when he played them he went all out.

Throwing a little roost.

The Belgian fans loved Josel Robert—as did motocross fans around the world.

The last factory ride that Joel Robert had was with the Puch factory. Not only did Joel race a Puch Harry Everts Replica, but he sponsored Harry to race a Puch in the Trans-AMA series. Joel was also the Belgian Puch distributor.