Juha Salo & X Shift Gearboxes: 10-Time Finnish Rally Champion Talks Passion, Precision, and Performance

When you speak about Finnish rallying legends, one name rises to the top — Juha Salo. With 10 national titles under his belt, Salo remains a force to be reckoned with in the rally world. We reached out to him to learn what fuels his fire, how rallying has evolved, and why he trusts X Shift Gearboxes on the most demanding stages of competition.

"Thank you so much for your kind words — it’s a great honour for me as well to be featured by X Shift Gearboxes. I’ve been extremely happy with your product, and I’m glad to share my story and experiences."
— Juha Salo

What keeps a 10-time champion motivated?

For me it´s all about 6th gear  — it’s a passion and a way of life. The feeling of constantly improving, tackling new challenges, and competing against the best drivers is what drives me. Winning is always a great motivation, but the journey — the teamwork, the development of the car, and the fight for every second — is what keeps me going.

How has rallying changed in Finland?

The sport has become faster and more professional. The cars are more advanced, and the competition is tighter than ever. Social media makes this more popular and visible sport.

How has the X Shift sequential gearbox impacted performance?

The X Shift gearbox has been a game-changer for me in the Yaris GR. It makes the GR a real rally car. It’s incredibly precise and reliable, which allows me to fully focus on driving and pushing the limits. Knowing that the gearbox will perform perfectly under pressure gives me huge confidence, especially on Finnish ultra fast stages.

What makes a car truly competitive today?

It’s a combination of everything, but reliability is key. You can have the fastest car, but if it can’t finish a rally, it’s meaningless. Suspension, handling and balance are also crucial — a car that’s predictable and responsive will always give you an edge, even if it’s not the most powerful. With TEIN suspension we are able to also all out from the X Shift gearbox. When you have good traction, you can use all advantages of the gearbox as well.

Why X Shift?

I chose X Shift because I wanted a gearbox that I could trust in every condition — from snow and ice to gravel. The durability has been outstanding, and the shift feel is so direct and smooth that it really enhances the overall driving experience. Esko Reiners convince me about the product and I trust on his huge technical experience.

What’s next?

My main goal is to keep fighting for top results and hopefully I can drive more events next year.

What would you tell young drivers starting out?

Stay dedicated, be patient, and never stop learning. Rallying is a tough sport, and success doesn’t come overnight. Surround yourself with the right people, focus on building experience, and always respect the basics — smooth, consistent driving is often faster than trying to be spectacular.