Interview with Darren Turner - winner of Le Mans 24hr 2008

Interview with Darren Turner - Winner of Le Mans 24hr 2008

Following on from the historic GT1 category victory for Gulf and Aston Martin Racing in the DBR9 009 car, Carrie Millington catches up with Darren Turner, one of the winning drivers to talk about the experience.

1.   What is the most difficult thing about driving a 24hr race?

The most difficult thing is trying to stay awake. The day starts off very early for the team and drivers have to complete a warm-up by about 9am on the Saturday. The day ends up being more like 38 hours not 24.

2.   Who inspired you to start racing?

My cousin Mark. He used to race in Motor Cross and as a child I got hooked very quickly on motor sports. I was very competitive by nature. My motorsport career started out in Karts and it grew from there.

3.   What is your favourite circuit and why?

Dijon is my favourite circuit. This circuit is undulating and has fast sweeping corners. The layout and the feel of the circuit is very ‘old school' - like me.

4.   What and when was your first competitive race?

My first competitive race was in Karting at blackbush which is near my family home.

5.   Driving for Aston Martin Racing sounds exciting; do you get to drive an Aston Martin on the .....road? If not, what do you drive?

I do get to drive Aston Martin road cars a lot and have the use of them, however, I do keep hinting that I would like to swap my 1965 Fiat 500 (Roberta) for an Aston road car although Aston Martin don't seem to be so keen.

On a normal day-to-day basis I drive a SEAT Leon which is the car I get as part of my contract with SEAT for the BTCC (British Touring Car Championships).

6.   If you could have any car what would it be?

I would really like an Aston Martin DBS in black. I want to be like James Bond but just shorter and with a mullet.

7.   What is your normal fitness regime?

I try to keep fit by doing things I really enjoy which includes mountain biking. I have a very busy schedule of racing which keeps me fit, however, I try to go biking regularly not only to keep fit but to help me unwind. I average approximately 3-4 hours a week riding.

8.   Do you do anything specific to train for a 24 hour race?

I generally increase the intensity of my training around two months before Le Mans. I work closely with a personal trainer for three sessions per week focusing on my core stability. I also use the sauna 3-4 times a week for 20 minutes at a time to condition my body for the race.

9.      What has been your worst moment in motorsport?

Hitting the curb at Le Mans in 2006! I damaged the oil pipe which resulted in a long pit stop. It happened about 5 laps into the race and seriously damaged our chances of a competitive race.

10.    Do you have any future aspirations or goals (in general)?

I am learning to play the drums, so my goal at the moment is to play them well. I want to be able to play as well as the gorilla in the Cadbury's advert!

We wish Darren luck in the future and hope to see him racing to victory in the famous Gulf colours with Aston Martin Racing at next year's Le Mans event.

For more information on Gulf' sponsorship with Aston Martin Racing please contact: sc@gulfoilltd.com