Of course, last year, in the sweeping plains of Spain, Dutchman, Kay De Wolf successfully took the Husqvarna brand back to the very top of the World. The Nestaan Husqvarna factory rider, along with his team-mate, Lucas Coenen completely dominated the season, winning all but two of the rounds and giving this legendary brand another number one plate.

It had been two and a half decades since they had won a World title, with the diminutive Italian, Alessio Chiodi in 1999 and the brand itself had been swapped around from its original Swedish birthplace to Italy and finally, to Austria, under the KTM umbrella.

When Husqvarna won their first ever World Motocross Championship back in 1960 with Bill Nilsson, it was an era that the new look machine was considered the most complete motorcycle in the sport. Unlike the big robust machines from AJS, Monark, Lito and BSA, the Swedish born brand was nimble and easy to ride.

Sure enough, with that machine, Rolf Tibblin won the 500cc championship in 1961 and 1961, giving Husqvarna three big bike titles in a row. In the 250cc class, Torsten Hallman also won the first ever 250cc title in 1962 and added another title a year later in 1963 (he would also win in 1966 and 1967).

In their own challenge to the World Motocross Championships, CZ introduced their motocross bike and won titles in 1964, 1965, 1966, 1967, 1968 (twice), 1969 (twice) and 1970, before they, like Husqvarna had to fight off yet another nimble and very advanced Suzuki. From the moment Suzuki arrived on the scene, victories by Husqvarna didn’t come frequently.

The immensely talented and tough Fin, Heikki Mikkola won for them in 1974 in the 500cc class, and again in 1976 in the 250cc class and another tough man from the sport, Hakan Carlqvist won a 250cc title for Husqvarna in 1979, but in general, Suzuki and Honda were dominating the World Championships, and not allowing the Husqvarna to get a look in.

Jacky Martens won a 500cc title in 1993 on the Husqvarna and at the back end of the 90s, in 1998 and 1999, legendary Italian, Alessio Chiodi won two 125cc championships. There was then a 25 year wait, and it was Nestaan Husqvarna factory rider, Kay De Wolf that introduced Husqvarna (now owned by KTM) to another World title. Their ninth World champion and a list of riders all deserving of being inducted into a Hall of Fame.

Now, in Argentina this weekend, De Wolf will carry the number one plate and try and join the original Mr Husqvarna, Torsten Hallman, Rolf Tibblin, Bengt Aberg and Chiodi to successful defend the World Championship.

Husqvarna – World Champions

Bill Nilsson 1960

Rolf Tibblin 1962 and 1963

Torsten Hallman 1962, 1963, 1966 and 1967

Bengt Aberg 1969 and 1970

Heikki Mikkola 1974 and 1976

Hakan Carlqvist 1979

Jacky Martens 1993

Alessio Chiodi 1998 and 1999

Kay De Wolf 2024

Bavo Swijgers image