R.I.P. Pentti Airikkala

[niko]

After a long illness dad lost his fight today. He took his last stage peacefully.

I know how much he enjoyed reading and writing on this forum, I for one certainly miss his comments.

Kind regards to you all,

Niko
http://pentti-airikkala.gonetoosoon.org/

[DonJippo]

R.I.P. Pentti you will be missed

[urabus-denoS2000]

A true rallying legend,can't believe it

R.I.P. Pentti Airikkala

[Tomi]

Feels kind of empty, to loose a good friend is always tough.
Osanottoni siskosi ja sinun perheellesi Niko.

[raybak]

R.I.P. Pentti, you will be missed by the whole rally community.

Ray

[noel157]

Sad, sad news. A big loss to our sport. I spent many years watching him, an incredible guy and a driver with an amazing talent who maybe didn't get all the breaks he deserved.
Thoughts with his family and friends.

[turves]

RIP Pentti. I have many fond memories of you over the years and they will be remembered forever.

My condolences to friends and family.

[Mirek Fric [Cze]]

Rest in peace, Pentti

[C64WDU]

RIP Pentti, thanks for the memories. Thoughts are with the family at this time.

[J4MIE]

Sad news to read, was a nice cheerful funny guy and I was glad to meet him in Finland.

RIP Pentti

[sollitt]

Very sorry to read your news Niko. Only yesterday I was looking at the picture of Pentti overtaking Mikkola high up on the banking at the Western Springs speedway in Auckland in 1979 RNZ. Surely one of the most spectacular photographs, and pieces of driving, in the history of the sport.

I will always remember his very exciting drives on both the '79 & '80 events.

Condolences to you and your family.

[m.lowe]

Such a sad lost to one of Britain's and Rallying's entertainers
RIP Pentti

[Josti]

How sad

He used to share some great stories here on the forum, he will be missed. Rest in Peace.

[Daniel]

RIP Pentti

Your insights will be sorely missed .

[WRCfan]

R.I.P Pentti you will be sorely missed.

[tmx]

This is sad news, Pentti is a one of a humble driver whom I respect.

[gloomyDAY]

Originally Posted by pentti Many thanks.I have been batling with my ilness for long time now.But it looks like the worst is over.I have been following this forum of course but in my hospital they do not allow computers plus their tv is awfull! It was interesting to see how oversteering all Fords were again in New Zealand. The team claims it's because the rear diff.I don't buy that.They are just not having enough rear toy in.Only 2 millimeters.I have found that some times you need even 4-5 millimeters total.So not only Citroen have the most powerfull engine, they also have a lot more grip at rear.Also they do not have a spare wheel in the silly location as Focus. Pirellies beeing now even heavier than before that 35 kg matters.Well it took over two years for Ford to change that silly gear change-hand brake system.I wonder how long this spare wheel nonsense will carry on.Without that Mikko would have won in Finland and New Zealand.Also Jari-Matti would have not made those accidents. Another thing I have noticed that FIA in their wisdom have made it compulsary to have seat supports in work cars.So in Focus this driver side support is against side window.Great! I wait a next rule from FIA. Bring back rear wheel drive cars I wish!

[LastDitchRacing]

RIP Pentti. I'll think of you every time I LFB. :-)

[Helstar]

Sad day ... his anecdotes were the best. RIP Pentti, forever in our hearts.

[Rally Hokkaido]

Shocked to hear of Pentti's passing. Like others, I enjoyed his wise words here on the forum. Sincere condolences to Niko and the rest of his family.