Stuart Turner, twice British Rally Champion co-driver and one of the sport’s most influential figures, has died aged 91.
Turner rose to prominence in the late 1950s, navigating factory cars for Austin Healey, Mercedes, Saab and others on the great international rallies. He became the first-ever champion navigator of the British Rally Championship, winning the title in its opening two seasons, and capped his competitive career with victory on the 1960 RAC Rally alongside Erik Carlsson in a Saab.
After retiring from competition, Turner became Sports Editor of Motoring News, created the MN Rally Championship, and went on to lead BMC’s competition department during the Mini’s Monte Carlo glory years. Later, he joined Ford, where he oversaw the Escort’s rally dominance and was instrumental in the creation of the Sierra and Escort Cosworth models.
A prolific author and tireless supporter of motorsport safety, dedicating his time to the Motorsport Safety Fund, Turner was honoured with an Autosport Award in 1990 and the Prince Michael Award of Merit in 2009.
Image courtesy of Jakob Ebrey Photography
