Bill Nilsson

Bill Nilsson (17 December 1932 – 25 August 2013) was a Swedish professional motocross racer. He competed in the FIM Motocross World Championships from 1952 to 1967. Nilsson won the inaugural FIM Motocross World Championship in 1957 becoming the first official Motocross World Champion. He won a second World Championship in 1960 and was the first in a long line of Swedish motorcyclists who dominated the sport of motocross in the late 1950s and early 1960s including; Sten Lundin, Rolf Tibblin and Torsten Hallman. During a five year period from 1957 to 1961, Nilsson ranked first or second in the World Championships. He was an intimidating competitor known for his tenacious and aggressive riding style.