After Dinner Speakers: Mika Hakkinen, Peter Gordon, Michael Wincott

Mika began karting when he was only six years old. His first go-kart was bought from the famous Finnish rally driver Henri Toivonen. Mika managed to get an F1 contract without driving in F3000. He drove his first race in the 1991 US Grand Prix (with Lotus). After driving two years at Lotus, Mika's manager, Keke Rosberg, was able to sign Mika as a test driver for McLaren (1993). Michael Andretti, who was driving for McLaren was fired when there were still 3 races left in 1994. McLaren gave their young test driver a chance and Mika immediately impressed them. At his first race he outqualified his team mate Ayrton Senna! Since then Mika has been driving for McLaren. He has now won two World Championships (1998-1999). In 2000 Mika finished the season in second place with 89 points and four Grand Prix wins. Mika beat countryman Mika Salo to the 1990 Formula 3 world championship