STUART TURNER (1932 – 2025)
The British Racing & Sports Car Club is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of one of its honorary Vice Presidents, Stuart Turner, who has died at the age of 91.
Stuart’s name has long been synonymous with rallying, motorsport management, and a lifetime dedicated to the advancement of the sport. His remarkable career spanned more than six decades and left an indelible mark on the history of British and international motorsport.
As a competitor, Stuart co-drove factory cars for some of the world’s most famous marques, including Austin Healey, Auto Union, Alfa Romeo, MG, Mercedes, Saab and Triumph. He contested legendary events such as the Mille Miglia, Monte Carlo Rally, Alpine Rally, Liège Rally and the Tulip Rally. His skill and precision as a navigator saw him crowned British Rally Champion co-driver in the championship’s first two seasons, and in 1960 he famously won the RAC Rally alongside Erik Carlsson in a Saab.
Stuart’s influence extended far beyond the co-driver’s seat. He became Sports Editor of Motoring News, where he launched the MN Rally Championship, before moving to BMC as Competitions Manager during the Mini Cooper’s golden era at the Monte Carlo Rally. Later, at Castrol, he pioneered new ways of engaging with motor clubs before joining the organising committee and serving as a travelling marshal on the epic London–Sydney Marathon.
His most celebrated tenure came at Ford, where he first served as Competitions Manager during the Escort’s dominance, later overseeing production at the Advanced Vehicle Operations factory building the legendary Escort Mexico and RS2000. He returned as Director of Motorsport for Ford of Europe, where he spearheaded the creation of iconic projects such as the Sierra Cosworth, RS200 and Escort Cosworth. His later role as Director of Public Affairs for Ford of Britain cemented his reputation as a skilled communicator and leader.
Stuart’s contributions were recognised with an Autosport Award in 1990 and the Prince Michael Award of Merit in 2009. Alongside his professional work, he authored more than 20 books on motorsport, business and public speaking, including Harnessing Horsepower, the biography of Pat Moss Carlsson. True to his sense of humour, he even wrote a Haynes Manual – not for Minis or Escorts, but for retirement.
Never one to truly retire, Stuart continued to give back to the sport through his work with the Motorsport Safety Fund, helping to produce films and publications designed to improve safety for competitors and organisers alike.
Stuart Turner’s passing marks the loss of one of British motorsport’s greatest characters – an astute navigator, visionary manager, prolific author, and a passionate servant to the sport. His wisdom, wit and unwavering commitment will be greatly missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him.
The thoughts and condolences of everyone at the BRSCC are with Stuart’s family and friends at this difficult time.
