Joel Robert was born on 24 November 1943 in Chatelet, Belgium. At age 20, Robert was the youngest ever moto-cross world champion and in all gained a record six 250cc world titles (1964, 1968, 1969, 1970, 1971, 1972) and won a record 50 Grand Prix races.
He started racing in 1959 and won the Belgian junior title in 1960. He rode the Czechoslovakian bikes CZ in his Grand Prix successes from 1964 to 1968 but switched to Suzuki for 1970. An exceptionally talented rider, his flamboyant style and extrovert personality made him a popular celebrity.