Talent and chance!
05/29/2016
I recently sat at the same table as Bernhard Brägger, the busy organizer of previous Klausen races and this year's Gotthard Rally, but also known for his books and articles, and he talked about his trip in a Ford T model through half of Europe, which he had undertaken around a year ago. One of the destinations he drove to in winter was Finland.
Brägger used the names of well-known rally drivers to strike up a conversation with the locals, who often seemed a little reserved at first. This worked very well and he was soon being told the most incredible stories. For example, the sensational drive of Timo Mäkinen, who blew the hood off his Mini Cooper in the Ouninpohja special stage of the 1000 Lakes Rally in 1967. Mäkinen didn't stop, but drove on at practically undiminished speed, reaching the finish of the special stage with the third-best time, driving the car with his head half out of the window (the small windows didn't allow for more). What a talent!
He had seen this himself, the Finnish rally fan reported the scene to Brägger. And he told me.
Coincidence! A few days earlier, I had been at the Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este, where a red rally Mini faced the eyes of the strict jury.
According to the owner, this Mini was exactly the same car that Mäkinen had driven in the 1000 Lakes Rally, and even the traces of the smashed hood were still visible.
If you don't believe the story, check out the YouTube video showing the daring drive.
