Timo Mäkinen facts for kids
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Timo Mäkinen (1966)
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| Personal information | |
|---|---|
| Nationality |  Finnish |
| Born | 18 March 1938 Helsinki, Finland |
| Died | 4 May 2017 (aged 79) Helsinki, Finland |
| World Rally Championship record | |
| Active years | 1973–1981, 1994 |
| Teams | Ford, Toyota, Peugeot |
| Rallies | 39 |
| Championships | 0 |
| Rally wins | 4 |
| Podiums | 7 |
| Stage wins | 73 |
| Total points | 7 |
| First rally | 1973 Monte Carlo Rally |
| First win | 1973 1000 Lakes Rally |
| Last win | 1975 RAC Rally |
| Last rally | 1994 Monte Carlo Rally |
Timo Mäkinen (born March 18, 1938, in Helsinki, Finland – died May 4, 2017) was a famous Finnish rally driver. He was known as one of the original "Flying Finns," a nickname for fast Finnish drivers. Timo is best remembered for winning the RAC Rally and the 1000 Lakes Rally three times each.
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What Was Timo Mäkinen's Rally Career Like?
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Timo Mäkinen started his international rally career in 1959. His first big race was the 1000 Lakes Rally in Finland, where he drove a Triumph TR3. He later raced for big car companies like Austin-Healey and Mini. In 1963, he finished fifth in the RAC Rally driving an Austin-Healey.
In 1964, Timo mostly drove Minis. But he still managed to take second place in the RAC Rally that year with an Austin-Healey. The next year, 1965, was a great one for him. He returned to the Mini Cooper S and won two major races: the Monte Carlo Rally and the 1000 Lakes Rally. He also earned a special award called the Coupe des Alpes at the Alpine Rally.
Timo Mäkinen's Famous Bonnet Incident
In 1967, Timo Mäkinen had a very memorable moment during the 1000 Lakes Rally. While driving his Mini at high speed, the straps holding the car's bonnet (the hood) came loose. The bonnet flew open!
Timo tried to look out the side window, but his racing helmet was too big. He could only stick his head out halfway. So, to see the road, he had to keep skidding the car sideways. This allowed him to peek around the open bonnet. Even with this challenge, he was the third fastest on that part of the race. He went on to win the rally overall for the third year in a row!
Later Career and Achievements
In 1975, Timo Mäkinen won the RAC Rally for the third time in a row. He was driving a Ford Escort RS1800. Only one other driver, Erik Carlsson, had done that before him.
Timo was also a champion in Finland. He won the Finnish Rally Championship three times. He also won the ice track championship six times and the saloon car race championship three times.
What Else Did Timo Mäkinen Do?
In 1969, Timo Mäkinen took part in the very first Round Britain Powerboat Race. This was a boat race, and he won it!
In 1994, Timo made a short return to rallying. This was to celebrate the 30th anniversary of Mini's big win at the 1964 Monte Carlo Rally. Another famous driver, Paddy Hopkirk, who won that race, also joined the event. Timo had to stop early in the race because of a problem with his car's fuel system.
In 2010, Timo Mäkinen was one of the first four people to be added to the Rally Hall of Fame. This is a special honor for the best rally drivers. He was inducted along with Erik Carlsson, Paddy Hopkirk, and Rauno Aaltonen.
Timo also traveled to Australia to race Mini Coopers. He competed in the Bathurst 500 road race. In 1965, he finished 6th overall and 3rd in his class. He was co-driving with Paddy Hopkirk. In 1967, he finished 7th overall and 3rd in his class with Australian driver John French.
When Did Timo Mäkinen Die?
Timo Mäkinen passed away on May 4, 2017, in Helsinki, Finland. He died of natural causes.
Images for kids
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Timo Mäkinen in 1966.
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Timo Mäkinen at the 1965 1000 Lakes Rally.
See also
In Spanish: Timo Mäkinen para niños
