Yamaha 250 Grand Prix & Jarno Saarinen - 1972 - motorcycle racing photo

Description

WE
ARE
CLEARING OUT OUR ARCHIVES!
A superb and rare image of the
Yamaha 250cc works factory Grand Prix racer
of
1972
and
legendary Finnish road racing World Champion
Jarno Saarinen
during the
250cc Finnish Grand Prix
that was ridden on the circuit of
Imatra
on
the 30
th
of July 1972
.
Jarno Saarinen is seen on his way to victory, as he won the race with an average speed of
88.06 mph
(141.73 kmh)! Not only that, he was also on his way to win the 250cc World Championship of 1972 with the photographed machine!
Saarinen made his first appearance in the Grand Prix road racing World Championship at the circuit of
Imatra
,
Finland
in 1968, finishing 9th in the 125cc class. During the 1970 season, at the age of 25, Saarinen competed in the 250cc (now GP2) class, finishing the season a respectable fourth place. In 1971 Saarinen competed in both 250cc and 350cc classes. Saarinen won his first Grand Prix that year, claiming the 350cc class in
Czechoslovakia
. He finished third in 250cc World Championship and second in 350cc. His success didn't go unnoticed as Yamaha signed him to ride its 250cc and 350cc bikes for the 1972 season. Saarinen delivered as expected, winning the 250cc World Champioship with the photographed machine. He finished second in 350cc World Championship, giving defending champion Giacomo Agostini a strong challenge.
Yamaha developed a new, four cylinder, two-stroke 500cc bike for the 1973 season and chose Saarinen to ride it. Finally, Saarinen was ready to challenge Giacomo Agostini and Phil Read in the 500cc class with competitive equipment. Saarinen's 1973 season started amazingly well, given the fact he competed in the 250cc and 500cc classes. He became the first European rider to win the prestigious Daytona 200 race in the
United States
. Returning to
Europe
, he jumped to an early lead in the Grand Prix championship race by winning the first three 250cc rounds and two out of three 500cc rounds. It seemed he was on the brink of running away with the titles.
Unfortunately, the season would end in tragedy. On
May 20, 1973
, the fourth Grand Prix of the season was held at
Monza
near
Milan
,
Italy
. A crash during the 350cc race left an oil slick at
La Curva Grande
, the first curve after the pit straight. On the opening lap of the 250cc race, the race leader, Renzo Pasolini fell in front of Saarinen, who was in second place. He couldn't avoid the fallen rider and the resulting crash caused a multiple rider pile up. Both riders died in the accident. It would have a major impact on the sport.
His legacy continues to live on. There is still an active Saarinen fan club in
Italy
. Formula One driver Jarno Trulli was named after Saarinen.
Jarno Saarinen, born on
the 11
th
of December 1945
, still remains the only Finn to have won a motorcycle road racing World Championship. And he won 15 Grand Prix during his career. On the photograph he is on his way to win one of them.
This is your rare chance to own an image that reflects a very interesting piece of Yamaha’s and roadracing’s glorious history. Therefore it is printed in a nice large format of ca. 8" x 11.8" (ca.
20 x 30
cm).
Shipping costs will only be $ 7.00 regardless of how many photos you buy.   For 5 or more photos, shipping is free!
(Note: A. Herl, Inc. does not appear on photo, for ebay purposes only)
No copyright expressed or implied. Sold as collectable item only. We are clearing out our archives that we have gathered from various sources.
All items always sent well protected in PVC clear files
and board backed envelopes.
We have photographs that came from professional collections and/or were bought from the original photographer or press studio! They are all of professional and excellent quality.
After many decades of professionally collecting photographs and posters we are clearing out our archives. They make the perfect gift and are perfectly suited for framing. They will look gorgeous unframed and will be a true asset nicely framed with a border. They are a gorgeous and great asset in every home, workshop, workplace, restaurant, bar or club!
First come - first served. And you can always contact us for your requests. Please ask any questions before the auction ends.