René Gommarus Desire Baeten (10 June 1927, in Herentals – 5 June 1960, in Stekene)[1] was a Belgian professional motocross racer. He competed in the Motocross World Championships from 1947 to 1960. Baeten is notable for winning the 1958 500cc Motocross World Championship.[2] In 1958, Baeten was named the recipient of the Belgian National Sports Merit Award.
| René Baeten | |
|---|---|
| Nationality | Belgian |
| Born | 10 June 1927 Herentals, Belgium |
| Died | 5 June 1960 (aged 32) Stekene, Belgium |
| Motocross career | |
| Years active | 1947 - 1960 |
| Teams | FN |
| Championships | 500cc - 1958 |
| Wins | 8 |
In 1953 and 1954, Baeten finished second in the 500cc European motocross championships to Auguste Mingels.[3][4] In 1957, the F.I.M. upgraded the competition to world championship status, and again Baeten would finish in second place, this time to Bill Nilsson on an AJS motorcycle.[5] In 1958, Baeten would ride an FN motorcycle to claim the 500cc motocross world championship, defeating Nilsson and Sten Lundin.[6] He was honored for his achievement with the 1958 Belgian National Sports Merit Award. Baeten was killed in a racing accident in 1960.[7]
References
edit- ^ "Motorsport Memorial - René Baeten". Motorsport Memorial. Retrieved 31 March 2023.
- ^ "René Baeten career profile". bestsports.com. Retrieved 28 December 2015.
- ^ "1953 500cc European motocross championship results". memotocross.fr. Retrieved 28 December 2015.
- ^ "1954 500cc European motocross championship results". memotocross.fr. Retrieved 28 December 2015.
- ^ "1957 500cc motocross world championship results". memotocross.fr. Retrieved 28 December 2015.
- ^ "1958 500cc motocross world championship results". memotocross.fr. Retrieved 28 December 2015.
- ^ "René Baeten profile at Motorsport Memorial". motorsportmemorial.org. Retrieved 28 December 2015.
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