P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Skoda Special Saloon star John Turner dies aged 81
In 1974, Turner became synonymous with the Skoda during a 23-event season, particularly in the Super Saloon category. Despite his quiet and understated character, Turner’s determination behind the wheel was evident. He was part of a strong group of friends who built successful racing cars in a workshop, and his results spoke for themselves. Starting with a Hillman Imp, Turner quickly became a dominant force in a competitive class, winning championships in 1970 and 1971. After racing in other cars, such as the Ford Escort, Turner and his team built a unique hybrid using a Skoda shell and F5000 Leda mechanicals, known as the ‘Yellow Peril’. This car achieved nine victories and lap records, impressing even retired F1 champion Denny Hulme. However, the running costs were too high, prompting Turner to switch to a two-year-old F5000 Lola T330 for his final season in 1975.
