Torsten Hallman

Born in Uppsala, Sweden, Hallman was part of a group of Swedish riders such as Bill Nilsson, Rolf Tibblin and Sten Lundin who dominated the sport of motocross in the early 1960s.[2] Perhaps one of the best Swedish riders, Hallman competed in the 250cc motocross Grand Prix world championships.[2] His battles with Belgium's Joël Robert were considered some of the best in the history of the championships.[1][5] Hallman ended his riding career with 37 Grand Prix victories and four 250cc motocross world title for the Swedish Husqvarna factory.[6]

In 1971, Hallman was hired by the Yamaha factory to help them develop new motocross bikes.[7] He was instrumental in Yamaha's decision to purchase the patent for an innovative single shock rear suspension that would eventually be called the monoshock suspension.[7] The suspension design helped Håkan Andersson win the 1973 250cc motocross world championship for Yamaha and would go on to revolutionize the sport.[7]

After his racing career, he began to sell motocross pants and gloves at the races to help supplement his income. Innovative Hallman racing products were available in the mid-1970s via catalogue, and were very popular throughout the United States. This eventually led to the formation of THOR Motocross (Torsten Hallman Original Racewear).[1] THOR grew to become one of the leading off-road racing apparel companies in the world.

In 2000, Hallman was inducted into the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame along with Joël Robert.[1]