1970 London-Mexico Marathon

[imprezarb5]

Hello Everyone!

I am writing this post in an effort to delve deep into a topic that I heard about from my dad. However, neither of us were ever able to find actual evidence that this event took place. As such . . . I'm resorting to this forum to see if any of you have this information.

When my dad was in Poland, a automotive periodical was published for a relatively short time (about 3 years). The periodical, known in Poland as AUTO-MOTO SPORT (not to be confused with the German publication Auto Motor und Sport) reported that Hannu Mikkola gained an insurmountable lead on the 70' London - Mexico Marathon by jumping over a small river where a bridge was destroyed.

H. Mikkola assessed the terrain. He noticed that there was a small natural ramp made by the bank. In his assessment, it would be possible to jump over this. He apparently made the decision to take this risk . . . and, as per the article, it worked. While other drivers had to find another connection which cost them loads of time, Mikkola was on his way. The article claimed tha this incident happened in Yugoslavia.

Does anyone have evidence regarding this incident.

Thanks,
Simon

[shurik]

imo it's a myth, London-Mexico marathon was tougher than modern Dakar, also keep in mind that it was Escort, not Kamaz or J-L Schlesser's buggy, and a decent jump can ruin your suspension even if you fit it with Proflex, so there's just to much risk to end the race after such jump..

[txl]

Here are five pictures from this event taken in Bulgaria:
http://forum.rally-club.net/album_page.php?pic_id=5037
http://forum.rally-club.net/album_page.php?pic_id=5036
http://forum.rally-club.net/album_page.php?pic_id=5035
http://forum.rally-club.net/album_page.php?pic_id=5034
http://forum.rally-club.net/album_page.php?pic_id=5033

[shurik]

Thanks txl, interesting pictures

[FAL]

txl, where exactly were the photos taken in Bulgaria? I am particularly interested in the Hillman Hunter No.81 as I have met one of the drivers. Do you by any chance have a larger photo than the image posted - or any other photos of that car? Would it be possible to have a JPEG image?

imprexarb5, I do not recall the story, at the time or since, of Mikkola jumping any significant ditch that others couldn't. There is of course the rumour that the winning car allegedly had a gearbox change contrary to the regulations...

This topic might also be better on the Rally Histiory thread?