Here be giants

01.07.12
By

Arnesson returns to Höljes as a team owner

Behind Peter Hedström’s return to the European championship this year is one of the great names of the ERC, four-time former champion Olle Arnesson. Höljes is home turf to both Hedström and Arnesson, this the stage on which Arnesson fought legendary battles – including one that ended with arch rival Martin Schanche needing a police escort from the track. Now it is the homecoming for a team in its infancy, but also a landmark event in which Hedstöm is paired with Swedish rally star PG Andersson.

Having financed the establishment of the team that has given Hedström his break into the ERC’s Supercar class,   Arnesson has waited until his home round to put in an appearance, and in true old skool fashion, has immediately got his hands dirty, assisting the engineers in patching up Hedström’s Fabia II after a bruising first heat.

“I stayed away from racing, but I am enjoying being here and seeing the cars running,” said Arnesson who has had some health problems since suffering an accident with a logging machine several years ago, “My legs are much better this year than they have been for a long time and now that I own these cars I think I will race one more time, just to drive them.” said the Swede who maintains his physical presence some 20 years after he left the championship.

* for more on Olle Arnesson see our ‘B boom’ series in the History section

 

Arnesson's Sport Quattro at Höljes in 1990. © Tim Whittington/RallycrossWorld.com

Arnesson's Sport Quattro at Höljes in 1990. © Tim Whittington/RallycrossWorld.com

Arnesson on his way his last championship in 1986. © Tim Whittington/RallycrossWorld.com

Arnesson on his way his last championship in 1986. © Tim Whittington/RallycrossWorld.com

Results have been mixed so far. © Tim Whittington/RallycrossWorld.com

Results have been mixed so far. © Tim Whittington/RallycrossWorld.com

Hedström got his ERC chance thanks to Arnesson. © Tim Whittington/RallycrossWorld.com

Hedström got his ERC chance thanks to Arnesson. © Tim Whittington/RallycrossWorld.com

Peter Hedström (right) was in tough race yesterday. © Tim Whittington/RallycrossWorld.com

Peter Hedström (right) was in tough race yesterday. © Tim Whittington/RallycrossWorld.com

Olle Arnesson. © Tim Whittington/RallycrossWorld.com

Olle Arnesson. © Tim Whittington/RallycrossWorld.com

Arnesson's Sport Quattro at Höljes in 1990. © Tim Whittington/RallycrossWorld.comArnesson on his way his last championship in 1986. © Tim Whittington/RallycrossWorld.comResults have been mixed so far. © Tim Whittington/RallycrossWorld.comHedström got his ERC chance thanks to Arnesson. © Tim Whittington/RallycrossWorld.comPeter Hedström (right) was in tough race yesterday. © Tim Whittington/RallycrossWorld.comOlle Arnesson. © Tim Whittington/RallycrossWorld.com

 

 

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