Historic Grand Race 2024, Ahvenisto

The Historic Grand Race, considered the main event of the season's Historic Race, was traditionally held on the demanding track of Ahvenisto on 17.–18.8.

Sontek Racing drivers and close friends that took part in the race:

Petri Kiikka, Ford Mustang
Jani Turunen, Ford Falcon
Jenni Silventoinen, Formula Ford
Henry Snabb, Lotus Cortina

Sontek Racing's racing fleet arrived on Wednesday. From experience, we knew that the paddock was going to be full and we wanted to avoid congestion. Wednesday and Thursday were spent setting up camp and exploring the track on foot.

On Friday, we got to the track in the form of the first training sessions. All cars and drivers were able to get in few stints as the rain slightly limited the number of laps. The weather for the race weekend was promised to be sunny and dry, so we didn't want to take unnesscary risks on the slippery wet track.

Saturday qualifying and Race 1.

Qualifying started with Jenni in her Formula Fod, taking pole position. Jani started second in qualifying, taking an easy looking pole position and set a track record at the same time. Petri started third in his Mustang, snatching p14 in qualifying.

Before Saturday's race starts, we held a book launch event to celebrate Helge Snabb's 75th birthday, which was attended by a great number of followers. If you weren't there, you can buy the book from this link (the book is in Finnish).

Jenni was preparing for the first race start. The start from pole was brisk (best start of the season) and the competitors were left behind. Jenni pulled away from the others as the race progressed and came to the chequered flag as the clear winner. This drive secured the pole position for Sunday's race.

Jani also started from pole and got off to a great start. He held on to first place throughout the race, also driving to the finish line victoriously, securing pole position for Sunday's race. Jani also set the fastest time of the race. In the same start, Henry Snabb drove his class to victory in his newly completed Lotus Cortina.

Petri started on the third start of the day and drove well, fighting for second place in his class. Petri finished 14th overall in the entire big start and secured second place in his class. 

Sunday, Race 2.

On Sunday, the winning streak continued and Jenni took the win from the second start. The start did not go as well as on Saturday and the rivals held on a bit longer.

Jani started again from pole for the second race and got off to a great start again. He held his top position throughout the race, coming to another victory at the weekend. Henry Snabb continued his brilliant performances and once again snatched victory in his own class.

Petri's Mustang needed the brake rotors replaced on Sunday morning due to violent shaking that occurred during braking. Without replacing the discs, the car would have been almost impossible to drive. Petri drove well in his race, battling with his rival in front, and finished third in his class.

Great performance, great races and another nice and rewarding weekend behind us. The competition arrangements were excellent. After the finish, the winners were given a ride in front of the crowd in a convertible. A lot of spectators had poured into Ahvenisto, and the slopes were filled with enthusiastic motorsport followers.

The next and last races of this season will take place in Kemora on 7–8.9