Past Yamaha YZ Champions

You're looking at them: The trio that changed the history of American motocross. Bob "Hurricane" Hannah with his tuner Keith McCarty, and the almost completely stock YZ250D that he used for much of the successful 1977 season. Bob preferred this bike over the Factory "OW" Machines due in part to the reliability and its smooth suspension. The only modifications Bob made to the bike himself were narrower handlebars, increased footpeg height, and steel shift lever apposed to the aluminum one offered stock.

This is a picture of Hakan Andersson in action aboard his Factory Works YZ250B. It was taken at the 1975 250cc British Grand Prix in Europe. After an injury plagued season in 1974, Hakan took this Works YZ250B to 2nd place in the 1975 World Championships.

The Year Was 1977 And Bob Hannah Was Sporting The First Of Several #1 Plates He Earned For Team Yamaha. Hannah Later Lost The Title To Teammate Broc Glover, But He Won More 125 Races That Season Than Glover Or Suzuki's Danny Laporte.

Gary Jones On His Way To Winning Yamaha's First 250 AMA National Championship in 1972.

The Year Is 1973 And Pierre Karsmakers Is Looking Over His Factory "OW" YZ Prior To His Next Moto. A Dozen Victories In 20 Appearances May Be Considered Extraordinary In Some Circles, But To Pierre It Is Only Part Of The Objective.

Here Is A Picture Taken In Europe Of Jaak van Velthoven Aboard His Factory "OW500". Jaak Was Yamaha's Most Successful 500cc Class Rider From 1972-1975.

Broc Glover Aboard His Works "OW" 125.

Gary Jones Aboard "Prototype" YZ250A

This Is A Picture Of Gary Jones On His Way To Another Victory. The Bike He Is On Is A Prototype YZ250A. The Engine Is A DT2-MX250 That Has Been Re-Worked By Thorsten Hallman. Gary Became The 1st American To Win Overall In An Inter-AMA Series Motocross, Capturing Three 1st Place Wins Against European Riders At Boise In June 1972.

* This Page Currently Under Construction *

WANTED: Looking for pics. to add to this page, If anyone has any good ones please email them to me and I'll add them here. Thank You. Terry