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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
It was on qualifying stage, he rolled the car and it was said that he won't be able to start the rally. But team managed to repair the car and he did start and dominated drivers like Rossel, Gryazin...
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