Ralf Christensson, Stockholm Sweden
Prefers to be behind the wheel but can switch if needed. Otherwise always trying to find new adventures for Los Vikingos to attack.
During the years there have been lots of great adventures all over the globe. But the best part is all the amazing people turned friends that we now know in so many countries.
Here is a list of adventures involving motorized vehicles, so far....
- La Carrera Panamericana, -04, -05, -06, -07, -10, -11, -14 and as a mechanic 2013
- Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, -11, -12, -13, -14, -15 and -18
- Chihuahua Express, -13, -14, -15, -16, -17, -18 and -19
- FHR Langstreckencup Classic Nürburgring, 2016
- FHR Youngtimer Festival Spa, 2016
- Silver State Classic Challenge, 2011
- Mexico City 24H, 2018
- Leyburn Sprint, 2014
- Tamil Nadu Run, 2013
- India Challenge, 2019
- MSLS 2004-ongoing, endurance racing in Sweden (officially not a Los Vikingos adventure)
During all these races and years there must be some podium places you think. And you are right. Here are some of them:
- Historic C win in La Carrera Panamericana 2006, and second overall
- Class win in Pikes Peak Int. Hill Climb 2013 and 2014. Vintage record that still stands of 10:46.000
- Historic C win in Chihuahua Express 2014 and 2019, 2nd in Unlimited 2017
- Mexico City 24H class win
- FHR Langstrecke and Youngtimer 3rd price in both, in class
- Silver State, second place in class
- MSLS, many wins
Magnus Widén, Nyköping Sweden
Magnus was involved 2011 in Los Vikingos. Got to know him 5 years earlier like a guy fixing race a car in the next pit area. Occasional hello's and helping with cars if needed but nothing else. then one day, the Volvo I was racing had a serious problem. Magnus stepped up and helped us racing again. As the nice guy I am I got him an ice cream. A few hours later I asked him if he knew anything about old American cars. Of course he said. So I popped the question: "Do you want to come with us to Las Vegas for a week?". That was for the Silver State Classic. OK he said and asked when. In 2 days! Of course he fixed vacation from work, passport and all other stuff done. That's it. No we have been to Mexico, Pikes, Australia and many other places racing and having fun. Still a very active part of Los Vikingos and could not do it without him.
Magnus is the Team Chief, mechanic and everything else regarding future Pikes Peaks and also with the development of our car the MR Pikes.
Magnus has been involved in various ways in Los Vikingos:
- Silver State Classic, mechanic
- La Carrera Panamericana 2011 and 2013, mechanic
- Pikes Peak Int. Hill Climb, co-pilot 2012, driver 2014 and 2015, Team chief -12, -13, -14, -15 and 2018
- Chihuahua Express, co-pilot/driver -14, -17, -19
Jake Shuttlesworth, Texas USA
This is a real champion. Started with racing in 2011 and loves it. Car collector, Ford Fairlane 1963 red are the preferred ones. He got them all! We meet in Mexico during LCP back then and got to know each other over the years. 2014 Jake's co-pilot couldn't make it to the race so Jake asked if I wanted to be his driver. Of course I did that. Then we did Chihuahua Express together -15, -16 and 2018. And we are aiming for more. Together we have been able to get some class wins, but most of all we always have a great time together.
Proud to be able to call this gentleman my great friend.
Stefan Annell, Stockholm Sweden
My first co-pilot in La Carrera Panamericana 2005. We both didn't really know what to do, some mechanical failures but we had great fun. Me and Stefan did LCP 2006 again and we nailed it. First in class and 2nd overall in a Ford Falcon from Sweden.
First days Stefan struggled but then he was magic. And he is also the only co-pilot that at the end of each day brought pizza and beer to us, just a brilliant guy and a great friend.
Anna Sören
sson, Sweden
Anna joined me as co-pilot 2007, when Stefan couldn't make it. Anna was co-pilot in another Swedish team 2206 when they drove an old SAAB. After this Anna have done tons of races in the co-pilot seat around the world.
Kristian von Pálffy, Stockholm Sweden
Did his first La Carrera Panamericana 2010 with me in a Volvo 544. Kristian have always been interested in the race and finally I convinced him to join me as a co-pilot. The same year we did Silver State Highway Classic and after that 2011 we did LCP again in my Falcon. Great co-pilot with an eye for details. Moved on to do more LCP's with other drivers.
Hans Lindbohm, Stockholm Sweden
Hans has never competed under the Los Vikingos banner. However, Hans was the one that lured me into the Chihuahua Express rally in Mexico 2013. Being a great competitor and winner of La Carrera Panamericana and Chihuahua Express he definitely belongs with us.
Todd Landon, Minnesota USA
Todd builds the Mustangs that we used in Pikes Peak and Chihuahua Express. Loves Mustangs and Fords in general. He also provides cars for La Carrera Panamericana, Bonneville or just about any race that you want to try in a Mustang. First time I met him was in LCP many years ago.
Rob van Westenberg, Colorado USA
This is a character! Been with us during several races in Mexico and USA. Knows just about all there is to know about old cars and he can drive them too.
Jonas Larsén, Möby Sweden
I took my license with Jonas as instructor. Jonas have probably worked with most Swedish great drivers. Runs his event/car/driving/race company, Driving Event, on Mantorp Park. Jonas was with us in La Carrera Panamericana 2007 and 2011.
Roland Andersson, Mjölby Sweden
A great mechanic and an even better person to have around. Always smiling and joking. Knows what to do and how to do. Roland was with us in La Carrera Panamericana 2007 and 2011.
Mats Hammarlund and Eva Hellström, San Miguel de Allende, Mexico
These two great persons make dreams come throu for many people. Born in Sweden, found each other and then moved to Mexico. Started a company that rents out racing cars for whatever race you want to do. They have competed in many La Carrera Panamericana but put the helmet on rest. Now Mats works with the cars and Eva takes care of the more important thing: people that rent a car, race in Mexico and are lost a lot. Eva calm and easy manoeuvrer them all to win races.
Not forgetting their incredible Mexican crew that works all day and all night for you to finish a race.
They are the Spirit of endurance racing in Mexico.
Mats Hammarlund Racing
Sven-Erik Björk, aka Björken, Rimbo Sweden
Björken, as he is called smokes his pipe and thinks. After a while, all is sorted out and the pipe goes down in his pocket and Björken fixes any problem we had. Great mechanic and been with us in Mexico for La Carrera Panamericana 2005 and 2006. Always a fight between me and Bill Shanahan on who gets Björken.
Bengt Ekman, Sweden
Bengt, a long time friend of Björken was with us during La Carrera Panamericana 2006. Great mechanic that thinks a lot and works a lot.
Bengt to the right in the picture.
