Tero Palmroth, who participated in the Indy500 race, wants young Finnish drivers to look to North America as a counterweight to F1. Valuable contacts are in use, as long as the cover lasts.
Tero Palmroth is the only Finn who participated in the Indy500 race. IL ARCHIVE
The Finnish motorsport people are open-minded.
Only F1 and rally are interesting. Such a large audience, but unfortunately often also young drivers.
On the track side, a career path outside of formula one is hardly even thought about. If the road goes up in the junior classes, the rides too often end there.
Tero Palmroth wants to change this. The first and so far the only Finn to participate in the Indy500 race in history wants a new treader for the path he cleared 30 years ago.
Driving location in America agreed
Palmroth (left) met Roger Penske himself in May. Not everyone has access to the packages of “America’s Bernie Ecclestone”. Tero Palmroth’s home album
Palmroth is involved Indy junior Academy Finland–USA – in the project named, It is used to search for young drivers in Finland for the North American formula series IndyCar.
The crown jewel of the series is the Indy500, the world’s largest motorsport competition.
The sport is the most important formula series in North America, but it is unfortunately poorly known in Finland.
The series is also looked up to in driving circles. Finnish racing drivers haven’t really tried to compete in the American series.
This is what Palmroth wants to change.
– The idea of an academy has been brewing for a long time. In May, things finally fell into place when, while visiting Indianapolis, I got to work with different parties, Palmroth tells Iltalehte.
An important milestone was reached when one team competing in the IndyCar series joined the project. It is ready to offer a test opportunity to a young Finnish driver, as long as he can be unearthed.
Palmroth cannot reveal the name of the stable at this stage. However, it has action in both the IndyCar series and its junior class.
Mere driving skills are not enough
IndyCar has been badly overshadowed by F1 in Finland. PDO
According to Palmroth, a few Finnish drivers have already approached him, but nothing concrete has happened yet.
There is time. If someone or some pass the screening, they can get to test in North America in the fall.
Before that, drivers must show that they are fully involved. Palmroth says that in addition to driving skills, the driver’s maturity and understanding of the importance of partners are of paramount importance.
– Those who play this game have to take it seriously. You have to be ready to commit for many years, and you must not miss your mother right away, Palmroth describes.
Palmroth wants to make one thing clear. He’s not going to be anyone’s manager.
– I would describe my role more as a senior advisor. In addition, I make all my contacts available to the driver and help open the right doors, says Palmroth.
Contacts are valuable. There are few Finns who can find Roger Penske’s contact information. Penske is American Bernie Ecclestone. In addition to the team bearing his own name, he owns the IndyCar series and the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
Must have business sense
In addition to driving, the driver must also manage working with partners. The best sponsor is a satisfied sponsor. IL ARCHIVE
In America and in motorsport, money talks. Palmroth reminds that the Academy is not a charity. The driver must bring half of the season’s demanding budget with his background crew.
– Keke Rosberg created a culture in the 1970s on how to work with partners. Those rules still apply. The driver must understand that driving is only part of the profession. Keeping partners more than satisfied is very important, Palmroth describes.
What is the right thing to do in Sweden?
Marcus Ericsson: A failed F1 driver for some, an Indy500 race winner for others. PDO
According to Palmroth, Americans’ interest in Finland is huge at the moment.
– In addition to our joining NATO, the Finnish green transition and the economy are prominently featured. Finland’s media visibility is higher than it has been in decades.
Finland is breaking into the same caste as the other Nordic countries. Back in the train again.
Two Swedes and two Danes are driving in the IndyCar series this season. And they are no filler drivers.
Why have the Swedes and Danes found their way into the IndyCar series, but not the Finns?
– That’s a good question. Maybe they’re smarter, Palmroth laughs.
When he considers the matter more closely, Palmroth finds probable explanatory factors.
– They understand the spirit of the game better. In those countries, motorsport is understood in a bigger picture. You can also make a good career outside of Europe.
Palmroth raises for example by Marcus Ericsson. For many Finns, he is a failed F1 driver, but for the rest of the world he is a celebrated hero.
– Ericsson had to give an insane amount of money to bankrupt F1 teams in order to be able to drive with lousy equipment. Now he drives in America, and he has won the Indy500. He is respected, and he has made a fortune on the side, Palmroth enthuses.