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?
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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?
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.
Watching on TV the way he took Appleby-Frodingham steelworks stage in the Gallant on his way to finally win the RAC
Can I ask who he was?
Member of this forum and a rally driver - http://www.juwra.com/airikkala_pentti.htmlQuote:
Originally Posted by GigiGalliNo1
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.
I saw Pentti many times. Spoke to him, always friendly. A true gentleman.
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!
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
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!
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! :-)
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