This is the Statt Mann, Baby. It’s time to Scatt a Little Bit…

Through the years I’ve managed to develop some depth with drivers. Some have become personal friends. Others have been patient with me when I call unannounced to talk on and off the microphone.

Some of the European or Scandinavian drivers have given me some great insight into the American race fan and America in general.

One of those is Finnish driver Jari-Matti Latvala who won this weekend’s Rally Finland. When Latvala drovc for Ford he was more accessible to me. Since he’s disappeared behind the VW wall I haven’t been able to make contact as easily.

But I do know that wherever he is at this moment he’s a happy man. He always talked about the frustrations he had on Rally Finland, his home event. It’s a high speed rally, maybe the fastest on the WRC calendar. And Jari-Matti loves to drive fast, wheels up and flying.

We’ve talked in the past about how much he enjoyed coming to the American West Coast to relax. He said the U.S. gives him some privacy in the open because the American rally fans who might recognize him are few and far between.

That’s not the case in Finland where he’s a national hero, especially today. A special congratulations to him this weekend.

Peace.