Brighton, ON (August 25, 2014)- Being part of a family with a deep racing history doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll follow in the same footsteps. Chances are good that things will happen that way, but there are no guarantees and nothing is ever carved in stone.
Her grandfather has more than 40 years in the sport and was recently inducted into Brighton Speedway’s Wall of Fame. Her uncle has turned laps in just about every imaginable racecar – including a street stock, DIRTcar Sportsman and 358 Modified and now wheels a Pro Late Model at Brighton. Now, 7 year-old Keira Turner is close to completing her first season with the box stock ‘A’ division in the Thursday Night Kart Club at Brighton Speedway. That part of the story bears repeating. ‘7 year-old Keira Turner is close to completing her first season with the box stock ‘A’ division in the Thursday Night Kart Club at Brighton Speedway.’
The youngster – who was a bit undecided when asked whether she would rather win races or have fun – clearly enjoys the social aspect and the chance to enjoy herself at the racetrack, but the helmet strap is fastened, she’s all business. Her grandmother, Pat Turner loves watching all the kart club kids practice their craft on the scaled-down version of the 1/3-mile oval, but knows that Keira’s story is a little different from the rest of the racers in the pack.
“Her father – our son Justin – lost his life in a boating accident in July of 2006,” said Pat Turner. “Keira was born seven months later, so they never had the chance to meet or form the natural bond that most fathers and daughters share. Still, we’re certain that he’s been watching her efforts on the track this season and is incredibly proud of everything she’s learned and all that she has been able to accomplish in her first year behind the wheel.”
Box stock is the entry level division for drivers from 5 to 8 years of age in the augural season of competition for Brighton Speedway’s kart club racers. Unlike the older drivers, there are no points awarded for race wins; only plaques for the top three finishers. Wheeling her kart, powered by an engine salvaged from a roto-tiller, Keira has logged a number of strong runs and the youngster – who will start the second grade at Wellington’s CML Snider Public School in September – has earned three plaques (for a pair of seconds and a third place finish) in five starts.
Her grandfather, Paul Turner says the kart program is a great place for the young drivers to develop some basic skills and learn how to control the machines under racing situations. He also believes it’s a good way to determine whether or not a youngster has any interest or aptitude in pursuing the sport and progressing through the different stages of racing available.
“Check the list of some of the drivers in the karting divisions and you’ll find some very familiar names who have raced at Brighton over the years and there are more looking to get involved all the time,” said Paul Turner. “The track has done a great job of keeping things fun and enjoyable for the kids and all family members, while allowing some adjustments that will keep things affordable as they more up into a different division.”
The Brighton Speedway Kart Club is in action most Thursday nights during the regular race season. See www.brightonspeedway.com for the complete schedule, rules and more information.
Keira Turner’s #92 Box Stock kart is sponsored by Mark Heating & Cooling, Quinte Towing, Ross Pound Water Service, Black Prince Winery and Cronkie’s Cab Co., with promotional support from Clarke Motorsports Communications.
Prepared by: Jim Clarke, Clarke Motorsports Communications/First Draft Media
clarkemotorsports@hotmail.com
613.968.6410
{fcomment}
Discussion about this post