Results 1 to 10 of 12
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30th September 2014, 20:05 #1
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It has been five years since Pentti passed away
It has been five years today since Pentti Airikkala passed away. I know a lot of you guys here on forum have some nice memories of him. Maybe it's time to remember him a bit and refresh some old stories. I think he deserves that. What do You think?
Stupid is as stupid does. Forrest Gump
- Likes: bt52b (4th October 2014),gravelman (10th October 2014),Mark (11th October 2014),OldF (10th October 2014)
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30th September 2014, 22:34 #2
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So many to go through; but, he was extremely forthright in his views; especially on the way cars were developed, and how the sport was being run. I wonder what he'd make of the 'shoot out'.
His testing of the Chevette in the snow, and scaring poor Harry Carpenter is particularly memorable.
Is there a better sound than that of Porsche engined Flat-6 ???
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1st October 2014, 00:41 #3
Watching on TV the way he took Appleby-Frodingham steelworks stage in the Gallant on his way to finally win the RAC
Kris Meeke got fired -PSG so terrified they quit!
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1st October 2014, 04:36 #4
Can I ask who he was?
GG: "I'm stinky! I needa good shower and nice bowl of pasta!"
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1st October 2014, 07:43 #5
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Member of this forum and a rally driver - http://www.juwra.com/airikkala_pentti.html
Never stop dreaming because one day it might happen.
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1st October 2014, 12:18 #6
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I have been chatting on Facebook with someone who lived for many years in Pentti's Granny Flat (a flat above his garage). He was telling me Pentti used to have a remote controlled swan, with a speaker in the mouth. He would "send" it out on the Thames at night and he had a mic on shore and would start talking to people in their boats - frightening the life out of many!
Personally, I have many memories. Most of my youth was spent in a Forest somewhere in the UK so I saw him on many occassions, and was lucky enough to be taken out in one of his old Chevette HSR's for a 10th birthday treat (many many years ago now!). I used to work for a rallyschool also, and from time to time Pentti would run his LeftFootBraking school from the same venue.Last edited by turves; 1st October 2014 at 12:28.
- Likes: bt52b (4th October 2014),gravelman (10th October 2014),OldF (10th October 2014),Sso (3rd October 2014)
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2nd October 2014, 09:30 #7
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I saw Pentti many times. Spoke to him, always friendly. A true gentleman.
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7th October 2014, 23:16 #8
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I was fortunate to have met Pentti of several occasions, including helping him out at his rally school, which meant I was able to enjoy gratis sessions with the master of left foot braking.
Enjoyed a good few drinks with him too. The inside stories he recalled in detail were amazing to hear!
Sad loss!
- Likes: OldF (10th October 2014)
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10th October 2014, 20:49 #9
Few videos with Pentti.
Pentti Airikkala first year with the Chevette part 1
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L022omgZrWU
Pentti Airikkala first year with the Chevette part 2
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NuVdGFQFk8o
Pentti Airikkala Tribute
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZucXid-_ZDE
WRC top ten positions
1976 Finland 2 Airikkala, Pentti Ford Escort RS1800 1978 Finland 3 Airikkala, Pentti Vauxhall Chevette 2300 1979 Sweden 3 Airikkala, Pentti Vauxhall Chevette 2300 1979 Great Britain 7 Airikkala, Pentti Vauxhall Chevette 2300 1980 Sweden 6 Airikkala, Pentti Vauxhall Chevette 2300 1981 Sweden 3 Airikkala, Pentti Ford Escort RS 1981 Finland 5 Airikkala, Pentti Ford Escort RS 1981 Great Britain 4 Airikkala, Pentti Ford Escort RS 1982 Finland 3 Airikkala, Pentti Mitsubishi Lancer 2000 Turbo 1983 Finland 5 Airikkala, Pentti Lancia Rally 037 1988 Great Britain 4 Airikkala, Pentti Lancia Delta Integrale 1989 Great Britain 1 Airikkala, Pentti Mitsubishi Galant VR-4 “Don’t eat the yellow snow” Frank Zappa
- Likes: lewalcindor (10th October 2014),RICARDO75 (12th October 2014),tommeke_B (10th October 2014)
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13th October 2014, 05:21 #10
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Little bit late to chime in here, although he was certainly a character. No one drove a Chevette like Pentti. A true legend and a really nice guy!
"It's the most fun you can have with your pants on" - Possum Bourne
Sordo https://youtu.be/NKqJQLKlqDA?si=199ai_aOf2Qs8qJ7 Munster https://youtu.be/c_7JuAJ1W18?si=_GaShLZCbhDzO1Y3 Neuville https://youtu.be/squR_MO6I6c?si=rJEuQEKWMo-qghX5
WRC Testing