The Finn, 64, was a frequent top-line competitor in the 1970s and 1980s, and tackled a total of 36 WRC events, mostly driving rear-wheel drive Vauxhall/Opel cars like the Chevette HS and Magnum Coupe.A ...
Since retiring from full-time international competition Airikkala operated a highly successful race driving school in Oxfordshire, where his roster of pupils included subsequent World Champions Colin McRae and Richard Burns. and also
John (Pentii) Powell.. Airikkala died on September 30, 2009 aged 64 after a year-long battle with illness
RIP
