It has been five years since Pentti passed away

[Mirek]

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?

[AndyRAC]

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.

[Mintexmemory]

Watching on TV the way he took Appleby-Frodingham steelworks stage in the Gallant on his way to finally win the RAC

[GigiGalliNo1]

Can I ask who he was?

[Franky]

Can I ask who he was?

Member of this forum and a rally driver - http://www.juwra.com/airikkala_pentti.html

[turves]

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.

[noel157]

I saw Pentti many times. Spoke to him, always friendly. A true gentleman.

[Talbot]

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!

[OldF]

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

[WRCfan]

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!

[Talbot]

Pentti had a great sense of humour too, I asked him if he would like to be the guest of honour at my motor club AGM, and he gratefully accepted.
When he arrived I asked him if he wanted a drink, but he declined saying alcohol turns him into a woman. When I asked him what he meant, he said that it makes him emotional and he loses the ability to drive! :-)

[Spud]

Indeed Pentti was a pillar of information which he readily shared with anyone who asked. I was lurking around on youtube and found this old video....love it!!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NnwDneG2mlI