TRIBUTE
Stuart Turner masterminded the Mini Coopers’ Monte Carlo rally successes in the 1960s
Gaining massive publicity from Hannu Mikkola winning the 1970 World Cup rally in an Escort, Stuart was promoted to Director adding responsibility for Formula 1 and other racing programmes in Europe. The Escort became the car to beat with two drivers’ World championships and a manufacturer’ s championship behind it.
After seven years looking after Ford’ s PR, Stuart accepted the position of Director of European Motorsports. After shaking up the existing projects, Stuart worked with Gordon Murray and Patrick Head to create the RS200 for Group B. Under Stuart, Ford developed the Escort RS Turbo which won rally championship classes all over Europe and the Sierra RS Cosworth as a race car. The Sierra achieved more than the team hoped including the 1987 World Touring Car series and the 1988 European Touring Car Championship. When regulations changed the focus was moved back to rallying. In 1987 alone the Sierra won 26 International rallies and six national championships across Europe.
The Escort RS Cosworth was introduced with four-wheel drive and won in Spain, straight out of the box.
Retiring from Ford in 1990, Stuart was presented with the Gregor Grant Award by Autosport and an award by the RAC MSA. Of course, retirement Turner-style shaped into a schedule of public speaking( which of course he attained awards for), writing more books, and as an honorary member of the Regional Committee, delivering workshops and newsletters to motor clubs and volunteer officials, being the driving force behind the Motorsport Safety Fund and raising money for Race Against Dementia. In 2009 he was awarded the Prince Michael Award of Merit for service to British motorsport.
Stuart lost his wife Margaret in 2024 and is survived by his two daughters. Motorsport UK extends condolences to all that knew him.
With thanks to Neil Burgess for these words of remembrance
Revolution- September 2025
“ I learnt so much from Stuart( as did so many others) and I could never have achieved what I did in motorsport without his support – and that of his contacts who he introduced me to. His great attention to detail in all he did – and his sense of timing – were second to none, and his significant work with the Motorsport Safety Fund charity continued his lifelong interest in and commitment to motorsport safety, the final financial outcome of which was gifted to our own British Motorsport Trust.” Allan Dean-Lewis, MBE
“ Stuart Turner was the man who got things done, thanks to a combination of quiet determination, excellent contacts, and unfailing good humour.
I came into contact with him after he had retired, when he was the driving force behind the Motorsport Safety Fund( MSF) and I responded to a request in the fund’ s newsletter for ideas they might pursue.
I had an idea for a new marshals training manual. There had been manuals in the past, but they were well out of date, so I wrote a new one and sent the text to marshalling organisations. The response was always‘ That’ s a good idea’ and that was that. When I contacted the MSF and Stuart came back with an immediate‘ Let’ s do it’ and he made it happen. It was a similar story when we produced a training manual for Rescue Crew.
Stuart really got things done, but always in a polite and gentlemanly manner. Stuart had the knack of achieving results without those who were in opposition feeling a thing – in fact they probably ended up feeling pleased that they had helped, rather than hindered it happening.
Stuart was also an engaging writer and excellent after dinner speaker. He was a gentleman, in every sense of the word. I am sure there are, like me, lots of people who feel their lives were made better by knowing him and will always find a smile coming to their lips when they think of him.” Bob Rae, former Motorsport Safety Fund Trustee
“ Taking the reins at BMC from my father( on his recommendation) in 1961, he continued the trajectory in spectacular fashion. I grew up with him in the background of my life and sometimes the forefront. Always generous, witty, acerbic at times but with a twinkle in his eyes. A lovely man who will be sorely missed.”
Hugh Chambers
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