Pentti Airikkala

A few memories of Pentti; the advert featuring PA in a works Vauxhall Astra (I believe) with the caption that I still remember 25 years later: 'Pentti gave it plenty!' (after he hammered the opposition). Another fond memory is, PA 'driving it like he stole it' on the '83 Austin Rover Rally Sprint (see this link for a vid of him in action http://www.maestro.org.uk/forums/showthread.php?t=15915). As it happens, I tested my Mini at Oakley airfield via John Goff (rallyschool boss), where PA's rallyschool was, and I was very sad to learn of Pentti's death. I was hoping to visit him at Oakley to discuss his experience of the AR event as I am restoring 3 of the cars from his race. I know that during the rally part of the event he drove the Rover SD1 'like he stole it' and wrecked the gearbox. He then went on to over-rev the engine in his Maestro (hence why he rapidly fell behind in the race)!. Pentti was a hard-charging fearless legend who inspires us all to 'keep it floored'...

John Clayton

November 28, 2011

I first saw Pentti in a Chevette flying down a track towards a 90 left in Sarnu forrest, I said to my friend, "he will never make it at that speed!" Of course, he did and I became one of his fans!
Many years later, a day with him learning left foot braking at the airfield was a 50th birthday present, I spent a day with my rallying icon!
It was both a pleasure and an honour to learn from the master, a skill that has remained with me 12 years later, my framed cartoon certificate, signed by him, is a permanent feature on my study wall.

God bless you Pentii, a Rally legend, you can never be replaced.

Bryan Sims, Rallygallery.com

Bryan Sims

February 18, 2010

A GREAT OF HIS TIME

QUALITY!
EXELLENT MEMORIES
WILL BE SADLY MISSED
THANK YOU FOR THE PLEASURE
(some time Welsh forrest visitor)

Russell Sharpe

January 12, 2010

The greatest honarary Brit ever to win the RAC rally.
God Bless

David Owen

January 6, 2010

I never had the chance to meet Pentti but my brother worked with him and spoke very highly of him.

He was undoubtedly a true talent.

His legacy includes legions of safer drivers on the roads
and he should be thanked by the countless lives his
advanced driving skills have no doubt saved.

Nathan Keogh

November 18, 2009

We will always remember you, Pentti, on your lawnmower-turned-into-snowplough, clearing our drive of snow at race-track speed and trailing Nataliina behind you on her sledge… A delightful sight on a winter morning!
Fond memories… The Macielinskis.

Irena Macielinski

November 16, 2009

Dear Pentti,
We only met the once at the airfield, I shared a day with you and a good friend of mine hoping to learn how to go a little faster. You certainly helped us do that. I use left foot braking whenever it is necessary now and will always think of you when I do. It was a pleasure and an honour to have spent that quality time with you.
Marc

Marc Stanford

November 16, 2009

People first

In your sporting life, coming first was important to you and you did that on numerous occassions. But, in daily life, putting other people first is what endeared you to so many.

In our case, you were recovering from surgery, but still made time for us and graciously invited us to your home.

We had a great time chatting with you and even though you had an official presentation to attend that evening, you didn't rush us off. You put us first and made us feel like friends rather than fans.

From the glowing tributes here, it seems that you treated many this way. It's easy to see that that was your character. "People first".

However, drivers want to be remembered as drivers, so we hope you're having a great time kicking up the dust and thrilling the crowds in your new "set of stages"...

Rally on, Pentti !

Chris And Melissa Gleeson

November 12, 2009

The Thousand Rivers of tears

Pentti....1978, Thousand Lakes, Finland...I was there aged 21, where it all kicked off for you. 1979, Vauxhall dealer event, Essex...we were both there, the memory remains large. 1993 RAC, Kielder Forest, Northumberland...I was on the hillside and witnessed you dancing through the woodyard....a masterclass. 2002, Maidenhead, The Thousand Rivers exited a lock and the name made me smile...and then I saw you at the helm. Loved the pun on the name! To hear of your passing just made me so sad, but I know you will be watching still, your legacy huge and everlasting. Rest in Peace Pentti....you are a giant.

Michael Ryman

November 7, 2009

I went to the 1989 motor show Pentti was there,and I asked him about the RAC Rally.He grinned at me,and said,"I have my hands on a works car".I wished him good luck,of course he went on to win the event.
Later on in1993 I went to his rally school,as I entered the airfield he rode towards me on a quad bike,grinned, and said "Ah you must be one of my victims!
After the morning session we went to lunch,Pentti invited us to a local pub,as we entered he said he liked the pub,it was very English,and he took a large wad of notes out of his pocket, and said we could have anything we like.
Pentti was a brilliant driver,but that day I met the man,and he was genuine and friendly with a great sense of humour ,was easy to talk too, and respected everyone's opinions. A great person, and a sad loss.

John Lewis

November 5, 2009