History 1960s

1968 1000 Lakes Rally (Finland)

Overview Route Results Cars Challenges

Overview

Event Name: 1968 1000 Lakes Rally (Jyväskylän Suurajot)

Date: August 1968

Start/Finish Location: Jyväskylä, Finland

Total Distance: Over 2,000 kilometers

Participating Teams: Over 100 crews

The 1968 1000 Lakes Rally, one of the most iconic gravel events in the world, highlighted Finland’s reputation as a proving ground for rally greatness. With blisteringly fast gravel roads, countless blind crests, and minimal margin for error, the rally demanded exceptional car control and co-driver timing. Its flowing rhythm and relentless pace made it a crowd favorite and a must-win event for Nordic rally legends.

Route

Fast Gravel Sections: Wide, flowing roads with soft surfaces that favored smooth throttle control and sharp reflexes.

Blind Jumps: Countless crests and airborne moments tested driver confidence and pacenote accuracy.

Lakeside Trails: Narrow paths with water hazards and loose shoulders punished the slightest mistake.

The rally took place on Finland’s signature high-speed forest roads and lakeside routes:

Finland’s unique geography created a rally where average speeds were among the highest of any European event, despite its loose-surface nature.

🏆 Results

Overall Winner

Hannu Mikkola & Gunnar Palm · Ford Escort Twin Cam

2nd Place

Timo Mäkinen · Mini Cooper S

3rd Place

Rauno Aaltonen · BMC Mini Cooper S

Mikkola and Palm’s performance was near flawless, with the Ford Escort demonstrating incredible balance and acceleration over Finland’s demanding stages. The Minis, while outgunned in raw power, remained competitive due to their agility and experienced drivers.

Navigation & Challenges

Pace and Timing: Ultra-fast stages required precise co-driver instructions to maintain momentum over crests.
Loose Surfaces: Gravel grip varied greatly with weather, turning dry powder into slick mud after rain.
Driver Confidence: Commitment over blind jumps was a mental battle as much as a physical one.

The 1968 1000 Lakes Rally encapsulated the spirit of Scandinavian rallying—bold, fast, and unforgiving—cementing its legacy as a true test of nerves and mastery on gravel.

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