Timo Mäkinen, born 18 March 1938, in Helsinki, Finland, was one of the original "Flying Finns" of rallying. He is most famous for his hat-trick of wins in the RAC Rally, at the wheel of a Ford Escort, preceded only by Erik Carlsson (Saab 96) in that feat.His start in international rallying came in the 1959 1000 Lakes, He came 2nd in the RAC of 1965, again in a Healey. He was later to dominate that event, with the Ford Escort RS (1973-1975). In 1971, 'Spectator Stages' were introduced and, by 1975 had become an important part of the event, usually at stately homes and other public venues like Sutton Park. The first day was, by then, devoted to these stages. Drivers did not enjoy them, and referred to them disparagingly as "Mickey Mouse stages" because of the lack of challenge they offered, but nonetheless they contributed to the results.