Hans Laine

Hans Laine (25 April 1945 – 30 May 1970) was a Finnish auto racer who tragically lost his life during training sessions at the Nürburgring.[1] He followed in the footsteps of his father, Holger Laine, who played a significant role in organizing the Eläintarhan ajot motor racing competition in Helsinki. Holger Laine worked as a car dealer in Ruskeasuo, Helsinki, and his passion for motorsports had a profound impact on Hans Laine's career as an athlete.

Hans Laine's racing career took off as a rally driver. He made a name for himself on the international stage when he and his uncle Henry participated in the Acropolis Rally in 1967, where he achieved an impressive seventh-place ranking. In the 1969 Jyväskylä Grand Rally, held the lead position, with Hannu Mikkola in second place, before being forced to retire due to gearbox issues. That same year, Laine ventured into sports car racing for the first time, competing at the Nürburgring with a Porsche 906 alongside Sten Axelsson from Sweden.

In 1970, Laine joined the AAW racing team, which was owned by Antti Aarnio-Wihuri. The team acquired a Porsche 908/02 sports car, and Laine's partner for the season was Gijs van Lennep from The Netherlands. They enjoyed early success at the BOAC 500 in Brands Hatch, UK, triumphing under challenging conditions. Their fruitful season continued with a fourth-place finish in the Italian Targa Florio, where they were driving the Porsche 908.[2]

The AAW team entered two cars for the Nürburgring ADAC 1000 km race: a Porsche 917, driven by Pauli Toivonen and Sten Axelsson, and a Porsche 908/02 driven by Hans Laine and Gijs van Lennep.During the qualifying session, Laine and van Lennep achieved a time of 8 minutes and 14 seconds, which would have secured them the eighth starting position. However, tragedy struck during free practice on the Dottinger Höhe straight. Laine's car experienced a loss of downforce when it hit a bump, causing it to crash and catch fire. Despite the rescue efforts of responders and fellow competitors, the fire could not be extinguished in time, and Laine succumbed to his injuries.

Hans Laine had become a favorite of the people and his death was a shock to the public as well as to his rivals. Laine's funeral was held at Espoo Cathedral. His coffin was carried by Holger and Henry Laine, and, among others, Timo Mäkinen, Hannu Mikkola and Gijs van Lennep.