This is the Statt Mann Baby. Time to Scatt a little bit.

Jari-Matti LatvalaI try not to get emotionally involved with drivers in motor sports. But I am human and several are special to me.

One of those is Finnish driver Jari-Matti Latvala who won Rally Sweden this weekend in only the second event of Toyota’s return to world rallying after 17 years on the sidelines.

When Latvala was at Ford four years ago we had memorable conversations mostly about his love of the U.S., especially Las Vegas, where he could go and relax without being stalked by world rally fans.

This weekend was Latvala’s 17th career win. It leaves him atop the World Rally Championship points, the first time someone other than Sebastien Ogier was leading the series since 2014.

In addition to Latvala I also cheer for his Toyota boss, Tommi Makinen, a four-time champion who brought the Toyota team online this year with cars he developed at his shops in Finland.

A lot happened in Sweden this weekend, not the least of which was watching some pretty great people experience success after months of hard work and dedication.

Peace.