MM Point Crowned Rally Career

Henri "Heka" Palmroos, a dedicated entrepreneur and rally driver, passed away on June 8, 2026, at the age of 72 following a prolonged illness. Born in Espoo, Finland, Palmroos was known for his tireless work ethic, balancing day jobs in printing with night shifts as a taxi driver to fund his beloved motorsport hobby.

Palmroos's passion for rallying ignited at a young age. Though described as more of an observer in social settings, he transformed into a determined competitor behind the wheel. He fearlessly challenged more powerful cars with his own, often performing best under pressure.

A defining moment in his career came in 1982 at the Rally of the 1000 Lakes. While Hannu Mikkola won the event, Palmroos became the most talked-about Finnish driver, securing a World Championship point. This achievement was particularly remarkable as it was his first "noted" World Rally Championship event, started from a low grid position of 109.

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Heka was a man of spirit and blood for rallying. The spark for rallying had begun to smolder at a very young age.

His ascent through the challenging, rutted gravel stages was exceptional, hinting at a natural talent that perhaps deserved more opportunities with factory-backed cars. Palmroos's active rally career spanned from 1978 to the 1990s, but his connection to the sport continued as he attended over 180 WRC rallies worldwide as a spectator.

Beyond rallying, Palmroos enjoyed summer cottage life in Tammisaari, boating, and later took up golf. He cherished peace and quiet, finding solace in nature and slower-paced activities, though his competitive spirit remained ignited by rally cars. He is remembered warmly by his family, friends, and fellow competitors.

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It is not surprising if a Finn drives into the Top10 list in Jyväskylä and gets a WRC point. But now it was done by a man who drove the first so-called noted WRC rally of his life.