In the largest motor race event in Finland thus far, a clash between the Alfa Romeos of Rüesch and Bjørnstad was expected in the GP class


Sunday 9th May 1937

In the largest motor race event in Finland thus far, a clash between the Alfa Romeos of Rüesch and Bjørnstad was expected in the GP class. But to the disappointment for the 40000 spectators the Norwegian started with his troublesome ERA instead, leaving the Swiss to take the pole position. Rolander crashed his Bugatti against the sand bags in the greenhouse curve. The Bugatti turned over and Rolander scratched his hands against the asphalt so the doctor forbid him to start. Carlsson had oil pressure problems with his Monza so when the new oil pump was delayed at the customs Carlsson took over Rolander’s Bugatti. Rüesch took the lead at the start. He was followed by Bjørnstad, Ebb, Patama, Carlsson, Sundstedt, Hallman (Ford) and Elo (Bugatti). Bjørnstad was clearly blocking Ebb and was about to get a warning when the Finnish Mercedes driver finally was able to pass on lap 15. Rüesch had already opened up a 14.5 second gap and soon it became clear that he had no real opposition from the rest of the field. The race turned into a rather monotonous event, where the only real action was on lap 15 when Carlsson passed Patama. After 10 laps Hans Rüesch’s lead was 26 seconds, after 15 laps 36 seconds, after 20 laps 41 seconds and at the finish 47.5 seconds. Local hero Karl Ebb finished second and last year’s winner Bjørnstad third.


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