Five Nordic drivers will participate in the Indy500 race on Sunday. But not at all Finnish. Tero Palmroth now tells why it is and how the situation could be corrected.
Finland’s reputation as a true motorsport country will be questioned this weekend.
There are participants from three Nordic countries in the world’s biggest car race, the Indy500, which will be driven on Sunday. There are two drivers from Sweden and Denmark, and one from Norway.
– The only thing missing is the flag of Finland.
The comments are pouring in Tero Palmroththe only Finnish driver in Indy history.
Palmroth competed at the Brickyard 1988–1991. Since then, the blue and white driver has not been seen on the participant list.
There should be a change to the matter already, Palmroth thunders.
A huge carnival
The Indy500 event is a month-long carnival. Sometimes on the track they race with “hot dogs”. AOP
The 500-mile oval race, run since 1911, is more than just a “200-lap circle race”, as the ignorant dismiss the race.
The competition is just the culmination of the month-long carnival.
Hundreds of thousands of people arrive in the city in the state of Indiana in May to enjoy not only the charm of the speed but also the numerous side events wrapped around the race.
– There is some kind of program and event for every day. There is music, screenings, public events and whatever, Palmroth describes.
The fans have been taken into account in everything.
– Their comfort here is the number one priority, Palmroth says.
In America, it is understood that a satisfied customer also puts his hand in the pocket of the faucet when consuming various services.
One theme that strikes Americans in the event is strong patriotism. The competition is always organized as close as possible to Memorial Day, i.e. the day of remembrance for those who have fallen in the service of the US armed forces. This is also strongly reflected in the side programs of the competition.
– The stands are always full, even at times other than the competition itself. The whole city is one big festival area. People arrive there in their motorhomes, which they camp around the city, Palmroth describes.
The Indy500 is a multi-generational event.
– Many families have permanent seats in the stands that have been passed down from one generation to another, Palmroth knows.
Where are the Finns?
Tero Palmroth is the only Finn in history to have participated in the Indy500 race. IL-Archive
Palmroth is still the only Finn in history to have participated in the competition.
He hopes to change that. Iltalehti has also reported on Palmroth’s project to take the next Finn to Indy. Currently a promising 17-year-old Vilho Aatola trying to break through America’s racetracks.
Palmroth hopes from the bottom of his heart that other Finns could also become part of the unique drug of Indianapolis.
If there are five drivers from other Nordic countries, but none from Finland, which considers itself a motorsport country, something is seriously wrong in Palmroth’s opinion.
– I think the cat should be put on the table honestly. We can’t just sit back and think we’re somehow better gas pushers. But we are not worse than others either! Palmroth says.
– We have to notice what others are doing differently and fix it.
The story continues after the picture.
17-year-old Vilho Aatola has turned his eyes to North America. Information from Vilho Aatola
In Palmroth’s opinion, Finland has a lot to develop when it comes to the activities behind the rapako. This applies to both motor sports and business life.
Palmroth hopes that Finnish companies interested in the American market will wake up to realize the same thing that other Nordic countries seem to already know.
– Sweden, Norway and Denmark have been able to establish contacts with America. The right people are known there and the sponsors of other Nordic drivers have also entered the American market on that wing. This does not happen in Finland, says Palmroth.
The story continues after the picture.
Sweden’s Marcus Ericsson won the Indy500 race in 2022. One of the man’s sponsors was a Swedish chocolate brand. Ericsson received $3.1 million in prize money for its win. ZumaWire / MVPHOTOS
There is enough work.
– Finnish drivers should be taught much more how to deal with the media, sponsors and American culture. In my opinion, AKK (the national confederation of motor sports) would have a place for development. But this is a common problem. Now everyone should wake up to this and take action.
How many Finnish companies are eyeing the American market? How many such companies are involved with motorsports in America? The answer is depressing.
– In Sweden, this meaning was once understood Björn Borg during tennis success. A quickly functioning system was created there, which benefited both Swedish athletes and Swedish companies, says Palmroth.
On paper, this all sounds very simple. So why not do the same in Finland?
– Because it’s not easy. And apparently there’s no real desire when you have to go to the trouble, Palmroth smiles.
Driver investment activity
Tero Palmroth (right) urges Finns to take action to conquer America. Next to Dale Coyne, who runs his own stable. Tero Palmroth’s home album
But there could be one more way.
Seeing the driver as an investment activity. This model also comes from Denmark.
– [Christian] Lundgaard’s Indy has been taken by an investment group. Behind him is a group of investors who have put money in the box on behalf of each driver. It is then written into the contract that the investors will take a certain percentage of future profits and receive a profit on their investment, says Palmroth.
However, the endgame is the same as what is invented in Finland. As long as something.
– Now we have to roll up our sleeves and take the bull by the horns, Palmroth frankly exclaims.
Spiritual home
Palmroth has many fond memories of Indianapolis. IL-Archive
On Sunday, 33 drivers will fight for a place as an eternal legend. Indy500 winners are always remembered. All those who participated in the competition are also heroes.
Palmroth is also recognized at the track area, although he last participated in the race more than 35 years ago.
– There are surprisingly many people who pull their sleeves and ask for autographs. But that only shows how passionate and knowledgeable the fans of the race are, says Palmroth.
Palmroth, who has traveled to Indianapolis almost every year for the race event for the past twenty years, tells how the organizers take older drivers into account.
– Fans will have the opportunity to meet old drivers. It’s a pretty great feeling. In Indianapolis, it’s always nice to bump into old acquaintances, although of course quite a lot of faces have changed.
Palmroth says he enjoys the atmosphere of Indianapolis.
– It’s a bit like a spiritual home for me. Through it, I got my life back, as it were. That world, that whole community…it’s a fantastic place.