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Pentti Airikkala RIP


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Posted

I have only just heard this great rally driver has passed away. He certainly gave Ford a bloody nose or two with his Chevettes back in the day.

Posted

Bummer. I've got a VHS somewhere of the '89 RAC that he won in a Galant VR-4...good driving and decimation of the prevailing competition.

Posted

He was a bit of an Autoshiter himself. I think he drove a tatty V6 Mondeo through his retirement, unwashed and with cracked bumpers. Top guy!

Posted

As a fat bloke who has trouble going in a straight line, this inspiration will be missed :cry:

Posted

Aw, that is a shame. Do I remember him barrel rolling a Sierra Cosworth on the RAC Rally at some point? Unfair to pick that as a reason to remember him but I is a bit young to remember Chevette exploits...

Posted

Shame. A proper rally driver, always entertaining to watch.

Posted

That's a real shame, I remember him well on 80s RACs, crashing through a gate one year sticks in my mind!

Posted

I met Pentti at Penmachno when I was spectating at I think it was the Astra Stages in about 98. I was in the car park looking at a map and he just wandered up and asked if I was going to the North or South stage. Asked him which one he'd recommend and he said "Come on, I'll show you the best corners".A class afternoon was had with him, his lunatic Finnish mate, a Forestry commision bloke and a couple of random bobble hats. Proper nice guy.He was driving a GMC Syclone? the lunatic Turbo V6 pickup thing.RIP Dude.

Posted

He was very entertaining on Top Gear as I recall, displaying the wonders of the 'Scandanavian flick' in a Mitsubishi Galant. One of my favoured rally drivers for his car control & his seemingly down to earth & laid back manner. RIP Pentti

Posted

He was very entertaining on Top Gear as I recall, displaying the wonders of the 'Scandanavian flick' in a Mitsubishi Galant. One of my favoured rally drivers for his car control & his seemingly down to earth & laid back manner. RIP Pentti

Somewhere out there is a video if Pentti showing Harry Carpenter how to drive a rally stage. Harry was completely and utterly petrified... absolute class. I Can't find it on YouTube though :-(

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