Cameron Turner endured a wild ride in the braking area two weeks ago at the 43rd Westernationals but he is back thanks to the generosity of others in the hopes of chasing down the WA Modified Championship.
In what can only be described as a remarkable show of the drag racing community spirit, Turner will be back racing this weekend.
After being released from the Perth Motorplex medical centre many of the teams came to offer their assistance to the likeable driver. Ken Lowe, who was at the track as crew chief for Russ Pavey’s Top Doorslammer, offered his drag school car from Queensland.
“Dad and I both licenced in Ken’s car and I drove the car at the Winternationals last year,” said Turner, “however time and transport costs were going to be against us to get the car over from Queensland.”
Norm Butler and son Sam then stepped up to offer Sam’s dragster for the last two race meetings of the WA season. A deal was struck and the car was moved to Turner’s new automotive mechanical workshop in Osborne Park to get the car ready for March 22.
“We’ve been flat out establishing the business and getting Sam’s car set up for me to race. We’ve taken some parts off our crashed dragster such as the delay box to try and have a good crack at the last two rounds. Our sponsors, City Motors Holden, MARCOMM and Mobil Oils have also helped out.”
“We have not pulled our dragster apart and we will wait until the season is over to assess the damage and what can and cannot be reused. At present, the engine and internals of the transmission and rear end may be all that are salvageable.”
“Frank Hawley’s Drag School race instructor Paul Shields out of the USA is keen to gather information on the dragster as they run the same cars at their school.”
With Sam Treasure leading the Championship, Turner a close second and Nick Gardiner hot on the heels of Cameron in third place anything is possible. Both the Treasures and Gardiners have offed help and provided assistance and neither of the lead teams or drivers want the championship decided as a result of the crash.
“The Turner Automotive Technology Racing Team would like the thank the drag racing community for their support, especially Norm and Sam Butler, Daryl and Sam Treasure, Nick Gardiner and Ken Lowe.”
“We would also like to thank the track rescue team, medical team personnel for their fast response and all the track officials for their support efforts on the day.”