Finland has produced some of the best racing drivers in the world. Greats like Keke Rosberg, Mika Häkkinen, Kimi Räikkönen and others are well-known in Formula One, and the world rally championship has seen giants like Ari Vatanen, Tommi Mäkinen and Juha Kankkunen.
For so small a country to produce so many dominant figures in motorsport is astonishing . . . or it was, until I found this video clip of crashes during Finnish rallies over the past few years. I recommend watching it in full-screen mode. With carnage like this, it’s amazing to think that anyone finished the races at all! Furthermore, those who did finish – and win – them were the ones who went on to become better and better, and ultimately break into international racing. They learned the hard way, so to speak.
I guess those who survived that background thoroughly deserved their later success!
Peter
Wow! Does anyone ever finnish those races? No pun intended.
I wonder how many spectators leave with hernias.
Don in Sacto
I want to be the guy with the wrecker contract!!! 🙂
It totally explains The Dudesons:
http://dudesons.com/
What, was this the classic car rally? I saw a Ford Cortina, an old Volvo, an even older Volvo, a Porsche 911, an original Mini and others too numerous to mention. I'm surprised that there are any roadside trees left in Finland and I liked the burly girl pushing on the roof of the car.
Remember that the Finns fought the Red Army to a standstill in 1938 and '39. Simo Hayha, "White Death" was probably the most prolific sniper ever.
Russ
It doesn't hurt that they're all at least slightly mad, does it?
No, it doesn't hurt a bit, DB.
Many thanks for this, Peter. Smiles are still a little scarce.