Sweden appears to be an absolutely stunning country to go and visit. I can only say that just from what I see on YouTube videos and Google image searches, but hear me out: rolling meadows filled with wildflowers, winter scenes straight out of traditional Christmas postcard images, and these single-lane gravel roads everywhere that just lend themselves perfectly to rally racing. The view is kind of like the Pacific Northwest, just less rain, more snow and better drivers. Much better drivers, in fact…Sweden has produced some top-tier drivers, including Stig and Gunnar Blomqvist, Ingvar and Daniel Carlsson, and others. There is something about the Nordic countries that just brings out the best in their drivers. Part of that deal comes down to the way driving licenses are issued…you learn driving theory, you practice, you train on risks, and part of the actual driving test involves the halkbana, where you are tested on your abilities to control a car in extreme conditions, such as icy roads. Or when you’re sideways in a brick-shaped Volvo heading towards a hairpin turn and you haven’t scrubbed off nearly enough speed to make that right-hander a completely painless affair.

What we’ve got for your eardrums this morning is a collection of rally cars that all have one thing in common: they are older than 1990 model year. So you’ll see Saabs, Volvos, and old Escorts, 1980s Celicas, various Opels, Audis and even a Lancia. And just for good measure, a Ford Falcon barking it’s way through the woodline. It’s not a crash montage (though there are a few hits…it’s rally, after all) and it’s not just sideways and airborne stunts…though, once again, it is rally. It is all noise, though, with no music to interrupt your enjoyment, so turn up the volume and soon you’ll smell the churned earth, the greens of the forest…and the unmistakable smell of a rock-punctured radiator.