R.I.P. Pentti Airikkala

[BDunnell]

What terribly sad news. Pentti was one of the drivers I grew up watching in the period when I came to love the sport, and his RAC win, so well-deserved after so many years of trying, will always remain a favourite memory.

And so will this — a typically spirited, hard-trying performance in not the best car. Pentti's performance on the 1987 Manx International is, to me, one of those that proves you don't need a lot of power to be spectacular.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TZT8FNGIv5c
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L3lbTdnjrZY
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fe-7jEf7Xy4

[TMorel]

Due to a slight "incident" between me, Pentti and a bit of gravel, my left eye was slightly damaged many moons ago, so if anyone asks, that's what is causing it to look a bit like the odd tear tonight.

I never did get round to finishing my conversation about my VR4. Kept thinking "I must reply tomorrow" and now wont get the chance

Pentti... a rolemodel, childhood hero and a thoroughly nice chap. RIP

[driveace]

R.I.P. Pentti met you on many occassions at many events,and you always had time for a few words.I think the first time was in 78/79 in the Vauxhall days.Then in Helsinki where you were using a Mercedes 190 in Maroon as your runaround .On the dash was a silver plate with the inscription "You can tell the men from the boys by the size of their toys"
I knew you had an illness from an ex Bray resident landlord,and the fact that you were no longer posting on this site.You will be sorely missed..
Kiitos !

[Halvis]

RIP Pentti - it was always interesting to read his insightful posts in here - been missing them for a while already.

[driveace]

Attachment 2412
In the Vauxhall Astra Days in the Isle of man
R.I.P. Pentti

[MJW]

R.I.P Pentti - Allways freindly and interesting to talk to. The man who brought electric kettles to Finland.

[ste898]

Another true legend passes away and we are left more and more with the robots of today

[Brynmor Pierce]

Was gutted to hear the news this morning, grew up with a poster of him in the Manta above my bed. RIP to a real legend

[4Regioni]

R.I.P. Pentti

[CABAIO E'LONA]

R.I.P. Pentti