For Harry Everts, the 73-year-old four-time motocross world champion from Belgium, it felt as though life had come full circle. Last weekend, he was officially inducted into the FIM Hall of Fame an honour he never dared to dream of, despite his legendary status in the sport.
“It was an enormous honour to be inducted into the Hall of Fame,” Harry said, his voice filled with emotion. “I never expected to experience something like this. It’s a recognition for me, but also for my family. And when you stand there, in front of a room full of world champions… that is truly special. The greatest recognition I have ever received.”
A Special Invitation and a Reassuring Rehearsal
A few weeks before the gala, Harry received the invitation asking him to arrive in Lausanne already on Friday evening. A rehearsal was scheduled for Saturday morning something that turned out to be a relief for him.
Due to issues with his hearing and balance, it is difficult for Harry to follow conversations in crowded settings.
“It reassured me to know what was coming, what question I would be asked. It helped me stay calm.”
He laughs when he recalls an earlier moment:
“Several years ago, I was at another gala, but I didn’t hear the question. Afterwards Stefan and Kelly said, ‘Papa, what were you even answering?’”
A Life Devoted to Motocross
For fifty years, motocross has been at the centre of Harry’s life. First twenty years as a rider, then twenty years alongside his son Stefan, and now supporting his grandson Liam. In total, he has attended more than 500 Grand Prix events a number almost unimaginable.
Yet it was never guaranteed that Harry would become a motocross rider at all. As a child, he contracted polio and was left with a small foot and an irregular gait. It made him vulnerable and a target for bullying. That he went on to win four world titles despite that physical limitation makes his story all the more exceptional.
The Puch Years: A Favourite 1973 Anecdote
With the amount of stories Harry has collected throughout his life, he could fill an entire book. One of his favourite memories comes from his time at Puch.
“In 1973 I signed a three-year contract with Puch. The contract said: if you become world champion, we stop motocross. I thought: we won’t win that title anyway. But in my second year, 1975, I became world champion.”
He grins. “Puch then released 96 Everts replicas. In 1976 I even raced on a production bike. And after that, they quit motocross.”
A Mentor for Future Generations
After his racing career, Harry proved not only to be a great champion but also an exceptional coach In addition to guiding Stefan and Liam, he also coached 32 other riders, including several future world champions. He did this partly with his own Kawasaki team, supported by sponsor Danny de Jong.
“Danny always wanted to support young talent. When riders left us for bigger teams, we never minded. We knew we couldn’t offer them everything they needed. We were mostly proud that they were able to take that next step.”
From Stress-Free Rider to Nervous Grandfather
Although Harry never felt pressure during his own racing career, things have changed dramatically now.
“When Stefan raced, and now with Liam, I feel a lot of stress. When you are an Everts, the expectations are high. We always thought winning was normal. I won almost everything in my day, Stefan did the same in his time, and because of that, you tend to be too strict with Liam.”
But that perspective has shifted.
“This year in Teutschenthal, I saw a boy finish eighth, and he and his parents were so happy. That’s when I realised: this is what motocross is really about.”
A New Routine: Rewatching, Reliving, Feeling the Sport
Remarkably, Harry never used to rewatch his own races or Stefan’s. Today, that has completely changed. Almost daily, he sits on his indoor cycling trainer while old Grand Prix tapes play through the room.
“Last week I watched the Grand Prix of Namur from 2003,” he says with clear enjoyment.
During the winter he also loves visiting training sessions in Lommel.
“When I hear the bikes again, it warms me on the inside,” he says.
Then, with a wink, he adds: “Honestly, I should have just lived in Lommel back in the day. I’ve been here so often.”
A Proud Grandfather Learning to Step Back
For the first time in his life, Harry did not attend every Grand Prix of his grandson this season.
“Until this year, I only missed a race if I was sick. Now I skipped a few on purpose to give Liam some space.”
Next season he hopes to attend them all again but from a respectful distance.
“Just as a proud grandfather, without interfering.”
Liam has also endured plenty already: injuries, but also the difficult period when Stefan suffered from malaria.
“That had a big impact on him. I spent a lot of time with Liam during that period.”
Harry looks toward 2026 with optimism.
“He trains hard and is in good shape. I have the feeling that next year could be a very beautiful year.”
The Ultimate Dream
When asked about his greatest wish, Harry pauses before speaking.
“It would be fantastic if I could experience Stefan, Liam and myself standing together on the podium at a future FIM ceremony.”
A dream that captures the Everts dynasty more beautifully than any world title ever could.
